Mosquito Control Zika Response

About the Program

Category: Risk and Emergency Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

Early in 2016, Miami-Dade County became the first place in the continental United States to have travel-related cases of Zika fever, a mostly mosquito-borne disease spreading rapidly throughout South and Central America and the Caribbean islands. The devastating effects of the disease, especially on babies, prompted the World Health Organization to declare a global health emergency (which was later lifted). Later during the year, Miami-Dade County also became the first place in the continental United States to have locally-acquired cases of Zika, as well as active transmission of the disease. The eyes of the world turned to Miami-Dade County as its mosquito control unit—a part of the County’s Department of Solid Waste Management—mounted an unprecedented effort to control the vector responsible for the spread of the disease. Miami-Dade spared no resources to protect its residents and visitors. Federal and state (Florida) agencies assisted Miami-Dade County in the battle against the disease and the vector spreading it: the mosquito. The result: Miami-Dade County became the first place on earth to stop active transmission of Zika. And it did so not just once but four times, in the neighborhoods of Wynwood, South Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, and Little River. Other entities have praised Miami-Dade County’s mosquito control Zika response for its success, and have turned to Miami-Dade for its expertise and knowledge.