Vector Control Response to Invasive Aedes Mosquitoes and Zika Virus

About the Program

Category: Risk and Emergency Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

With the rapid expansion of invasive Aedes mosquitoes and an increase in reported travel-related Zika cases, the County of San Diego Vector Control Program (VCP) quickly developed plans and mounted a response to protect residents and reduce the risk of local transmission of Zika virus. A comprehensive strategy was developed for responding to confirmed or highly suspect cases of Zika (and other diseases transmitted by invasive Aedes mosquitoes). This response includes: • Rapid investigation of referred cases to determine if invasive Aedes mosquitoes are present in the area; • Rapid in-house testing of invasive Aedes mosquitoes found, for Zika and other viruses; • Coordination with other agencies; • Timely and transparent multilingual communication and outreach to the public and residents in the communities affected prior to any treatment; and • Door-to-door, ultra-low volume backpack applications of a public health insecticide to control adult mosquitoes in affected areas to reduce the risk of a local transmission. Implementation of this comprehensive response strategy has helped to promote successful VCP operations. To date, there have been no occurrences of locally acquired mosquito transmitted Zika cases in the County of San Diego.