DOCSLIB.ORG

WHO District Level NTD Training Course

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
WHO District Level NTD Training Course Revised: 30.6.2015(Global version) WHO District Level NTD Training course Learner’s Guide Module 8: Other Preventative Measures and Related Sectors Session 8.1: Introduction to WASH and Vector Control Part 1: Introduction: Session Purpose: The purpose of this session is to introduce the learner to the concept of intersectoral collaboration and the importance of WASH and Vector Control (VC) interventions for the control/elimination of 5 neglected tropical diseases (NTD) targeted for preventive chemotherapy(PC). Prerequisite modules/sessions: Module1 Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, learners will: Understand why Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and Vector Control (VC) are important in control and elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Understand how to collaborate with existing WASH and VC sectors in the district Abbreviations and Acronyms LF – Lymphatic filariasis NTD – Neglected Tropical Disease ONCHO - Onchocerciasis PC – Preventive chemotherapy SCH – Schistosomiasis 1 STH – Soil-transmitted helminthiasis WASH – Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene VC – Vector Control Part 2: Key concepts: Concept 1: WASH and NTDs Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions are essential for the long-term control, and even elimination, of four of the PC NTDs: soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH), trachoma, schistosomiasis (bilharzia), and lymphatic filariasis (LF). Table 1: WASH intervention and disease impacted Intervention Definition Disease impacted Water Access to safe water for: drinking, face washing, hand LF,SCH and body washing and cleaning of foodstuffs and STH, Trachoma clothes to prevent or minimize reinfection. Sanitation Sanitary latrines keep infected human excreta from SCH, STH coming into contact with humans, animals and Trachoma vectors, thereby minimizing the risk of reinfection in treated individuals and preventing new infections. Hygiene Personal and environmental hygiene campaigns in LF, SCH communities to promote positive behaviors to prevent STH, Trachoma infection and morbidity and disabilities. Concept 2: Vector control and NTDs Vectors are living organisms that can transmit infectious diseases between humans or from animals to humans. Many of these vectors are bloodsucking insects, which ingest disease- producing microorganisms during a blood meal from an infected host (human or animal) and later inject it into a new host during their subsequent blood meal. LF, SCH, trachoma 2 and onchocerciasis are diseases transmitted by vectors. Vector control methods should be selected from a list of the available methods. Certain vector control methods are of known efficacy in particular settings. Table 2 lists the vector control methods and their applicability to each vector-borne disease; however, methods must also be assessed locally. Table 2: Methods used to control vector-borne diseases (mosquitoes) Lymphatic Filariasis (black flies) Onchocerciasis (snails) Schistosomiasis (flies) Trachoma (no vector) STH Category Sub-Category Source reduction + Habitat manipulation + + Irrigation management & Environmental + + design Proximity of livestock + Waste management + + Mechanical Polystyrene beads + Natural enemy conservation + Biological Biological larvicides + Fungi + Insecticide-treated bednets + Indoor residual spraying Chemical Insecticidal treatment of habitat + + Chemical repellents + Adapted from Table 4.2 of WHO’s Handbook for integrated vector management Concept 3: Inter sectoral Collaboration In general WASH, VC, and NTD sectors work independently to achieve their complementary goals because of different health and development priorities. Incidence of diarrheal disease has traditionally been the health indicator of most importance to the WASH sector, and crop yield is the indicator of choice for the VC sector. Because WASH and VC break the cycle of transmission of many NTDs, 3 inter sectoral collaboration at the district level is vital for effective NTD control and elimination. Power point slides: Slides: 1-9 of Introduction to WASH and Vector control Part 3: Activities Facilitators will choose sessions depending on the disease endemicity in a country and plan exercise such as (i) Role play–3 groups- WASH, Vector control sector and district NTD unit (ii) Open discussion on how to collaborate with WASH and Vector control (iii) Case studies Part 4: Summary Job aide related to this module( include where applicable) Job aides for the session 8.1(introduction) Key words (maximum 10) Key action points for district level personnel Part 5: References and Additional Resources References 1) Accelerating work to overcome the global impact of NTDs – A Roadmap for Implementation, WHO. 2011. 2) Integrated Vector Management – PAHO/WHO. http://www.paho.org/hq/ integrated- vector-management-IVM and Itemid. (2014) 3) RTI Integrated Vector Management project. http://www.ivmproject.net/about/index.cfm?fuseaction=static&label=vbdzcontrol. (2014) 4) Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Online Manual Resource. http://www.washntds.org (2014).World Health Organization – NTDS. www.who.org. (2014) 4 Module 8: Other Preventative Measures and Related Sectors Session 8.2: Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis (Intestinal Parasites) Part 1: Introduction: Session Purpose: The purpose of this session is to introduce WASH interventions that contribute to the control soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH). Prerequisite modules/sessions Module 1 and Session 8.1 Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, learners will be able to: Explain how WASH interventions control STH Propose strategies for collaborating with water, sanitation, education, and other sectors to effectively control STH. Abbreviations and Acronyms NTD – Neglected Tropical Disease STH – Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis WASH – Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Part 2: Key concepts: Concept 1: Transmission of STH infection STH is caused by infection with intestinal parasites. The most common are roundworm, whipworm and hookworm. These parasites thrive in warm and humid climates and in communities with limited access to water and basic sanitation. STH is spread through contact with feces of infected individuals. Infection occurs when: 5 Humans ingest the infective eggs of roundworm and whipworm by eating contaminated food and eating with unwashed hands or utensils; Hookworm larvae penetrate of the skin, usually of the feet. Symptoms of STH include malnutrition, anemia and fatigue. Children with STH experience poor cognitive and physical development. Concept 2: WASH and STH Control Improving access to water and sanitation and good hygiene practice is essential to stop the cycle of STH transmission. Mass drug administration campaigns with a single dose of donated Albendazole or mebendazole (Vermox™) target children at risk of STH. However, reinfection nearly always occurs following treatment when access to improved water and sanitation facilities and knowledge of good hygiene practices (WASH) are limited. Thus, WASH is essential to interrupt the cycle of STH transmission. Water - Access to potable water for hand washing and cleaning of food stuffs minimizes reinfection. Sanitation - Sanitary latrines keep infected human excreta from the areas where people live, work, and play, further minimizing the risk of re-infection in treated individuals and preventing new infections. Hygiene Education - Hygiene education promotes personal and environmental hygiene in communities where STH is endemic. Concept 3: Intersectoral Collaboration and STH Control Many WASH interventions can be undertaken at the district and community levels to control STH. Use the following table to identify partners and organizations from other sectors to implement the following WASH activities. 6 Table 1: Inter sectoral Collaboration to Control STH (Group Planning Activity) Intervention Activities Strategies for Sector/partner including other organization sectors Water Facilitate the provision of sustainable safe water services for hygiene and drinking Promote household treatment and proper storage of water Sanitation Ensure access to household and school latrines to minimize open defecation Ensure that processes are in place for regular cleaning and maintenance of latrines Hygiene Promote wearing shoes when walking outside Education Promote hand-washing before cooking and eating and after defecating Power point slides: Slides 1-9 from WASH (Session 8.2-8.5) and pick up additional slides from Session 8.1: introduction Key message: • Infection occurs when soil or food contaminated with fecal matter harboring eggs is ingested, or when larvae living in soil penetrate bare skin. • Treatment is an important part of control. • Reinfection of intestinal parasites nearly always occurs following treatment when access to WASH is limited. • WASH interventions break the cycle of STH transmission. 7 Part 3: Activities: The course facilitator will distribute the table 1 ( given above) to 3 groups of participants. The participants will complete the exercise and one from each will present. Part 4: Job aides Key words (maximum 10) Key action points for district level personnel Part 5: Reference and Resources: 1. Strunz EC, Addiss DG, Stocks ME, Ogden S, Utzinger J, et al. (2014) Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLOS Med 11(3): e1001620. (Accessed June 23, 2015 http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/fetchObject.action?uri=info:doi/10.1371/journal.pme d.1001620&representation=PDF). 2. Children Without Worms (2014). Controlling STH is an urgent
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Communicable Disease Control
    LECTURE NOTES For Nursing Students Communicable Disease Control Mulugeta Alemayehu Hawassa University In collaboration with the Ethiopia Public Health Training Initiative, The Carter Center, the Ethiopia Ministry of Health, and the Ethiopia Ministry of Education 2004 Funded under USAID Cooperative Agreement No. 663-A-00-00-0358-00. Produced in collaboration with the Ethiopia Public Health Training Initiative, The Carter Center, the Ethiopia Ministry of Health, and the Ethiopia Ministry of Education. Important Guidelines for Printing and Photocopying Limited permission is granted free of charge to print or photocopy all pages of this publication for educational, not-for-profit use by health care workers, students or faculty. All copies must retain all author credits and copyright notices included in the original document. Under no circumstances is it permissible to sell or distribute on a commercial basis, or to claim authorship of, copies of material reproduced from this publication. ©2004 by Mulugeta Alemayehu All rights reserved. Except as expressly provided above, no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission of the author or authors. This material is intended for educational use only by practicing health care workers or students and faculty in a health care field. Communicable Disease Control Preface This lecture note was written because there is currently no uniformity in the syllabus and, for this course additionally, available textbooks and reference materials for health students are scarce at this level and the depth of coverage in the area of communicable diseases and control in the higher learning health institutions in Ethiopia.
    [Show full text]
  • Globalization and Infectious Diseases: a Review of the Linkages
    TDR/STR/SEB/ST/04.2 SPECIAL TOPICS NO.3 Globalization and infectious diseases: A review of the linkages Social, Economic and Behavioural (SEB) Research UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research & Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) The "Special Topics in Social, Economic and Behavioural (SEB) Research" series are peer-reviewed publications commissioned by the TDR Steering Committee for Social, Economic and Behavioural Research. For further information please contact: Dr Johannes Sommerfeld Manager Steering Committee for Social, Economic and Behavioural Research (SEB) UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) World Health Organization 20, Avenue Appia CH-1211 Geneva 27 Switzerland E-mail: [email protected] TDR/STR/SEB/ST/04.2 Globalization and infectious diseases: A review of the linkages Lance Saker,1 MSc MRCP Kelley Lee,1 MPA, MA, D.Phil. Barbara Cannito,1 MSc Anna Gilmore,2 MBBS, DTM&H, MSc, MFPHM Diarmid Campbell-Lendrum,1 D.Phil. 1 Centre on Global Change and Health London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK 2 European Centre on Health of Societies in Transition (ECOHOST) London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK TDR/STR/SEB/ST/04.2 Copyright © World Health Organization on behalf of the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases 2004 All rights reserved. The use of content from this health information product for all non-commercial education, training and information purposes is encouraged, including translation, quotation and reproduction, in any medium, but the content must not be changed and full acknowledgement of the source must be clearly stated.
    [Show full text]
  • Vector Control
    Residential Good Housekeeping 1. Objective: The objective of the following site housekeeping practices is to reduce impacts from stormwater runoff by developing and using good housekeeping practices. Everyday activities such as driving to work, gardening or washing your car affect the quality of water in local creeks and the San Francisco Bay. Water from garden hoses, sprinklers and rainfall washes materials into gutters and storm drains. Chemicals such as motor oil, paint products, pet waste and pesticides flow from yards, parking lots and streets, sending contaminated water, or urban runoff, untreated into local creeks, groundwater and the San Francisco Bay, where it harms fish and other wildlife. It is estimated that 50% to 80% of all pollutants entering the San Francisco Bay are discharged from storm drain systems. PLEASE NOTE: If you see someone pouring auto fluids or any other substance into the storm drain, call 911. Pouring substances into the storm drain is against the law. 2. Automotive Housekeeping 2.1 Do not store automotive parts, fluids, batteries or chemicals outside. These items should be stored in an area not exposed to the weather. 2.2 Check driveway and garage surfaces daily for leaks, spills and litter. Clean up spills with a broom, not a hose. Use absorbents to soak up spills (i.e. cat litter, sawdust, or cornmeal), as needed, then sweep up absorbents after use. 2.3 Check for vehicle leaks. Use a drip pan until repair is complete. 2.4 Consider washing vehicles at a commercial car wash or on a pervious area (landscape, gravel, etc.
    [Show full text]
  • A National Public Health Framework for the Prevention and Control of Vector-Borne Diseases in Humans
    A National Public Health Framework for the Prevention and Control of Vector-Borne Diseases in Humans WWW.CDC.GOV/VECTOR 1 Amblyomma maculatum Publication and Copyright Information Centers for Disease Control and Prevention A National Public Health Framework for the Prevention and Control of Vector-Borne Diseases in Humans Atlanta, Georgia: September 2020 www.cdc.gov/vector Media inquiries: 404-639-3286 (9:00 am–6:00 pm ET); [email protected] Acknowledgement: Layout and graphics provided by CDC’s Creative Services. Cover Clockwise from top right: • Blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), James Gathany photographer • Aedes aegypti mosquito, James Gathany photographer • Illustration of the United States • Oriental rat flea Xenopsylla( cheopsis), James Gathany photographer Accessible Version: www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dvbd/framework.html 2 A NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH FRAMEWORK FOR THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES IN HUMANS Introduction and Scope Our nation’s ability to defend against the present the U.S. population from these diseases, five federal and future threat of vector-borne diseases relies on a departments and the Environmental Protection Agency comprehensive national system that is able to detect, contributed to developing a national framework for vector- prevent, and respond to these threats. A concerted borne disease prevention and control. These federal and sustained effort is needed to address significant partners represent the primary federal departments and challenges and reverse the upward trends in illness, agencies engaged
    [Show full text]
  • Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District 1966 Compton Avenue, Corona, California 92881 951-340-9792
    Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District 1966 Compton Avenue, Corona, California 92881 951-340-9792 www.northwestmvcd.org Zika Fact Sheet What is Zika? Zika is an infectious disease caused by the Zika virus, which is transmitted to people by Aedes mosquitoes. Symptoms of Zika typically include fever, rash, joint pain, and/or red eyes. Where does Zika occur? Zika occurs in many tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world, particularly in Africa, Southeast Asia, and islands in the Pacific Ocean. Recent outbreaks have occurred in Latin America and the Caribbean. How do people get Zika? Zika virus is transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes (also known as yellow fever mosquitoes) and by Aedes albopictus mosquitoes (also known as Asian tiger mosquitoes). These mosquitoes are not native to California. However, since 2011 they have been detected in several California counties. An Aedes mosquito can only transmit Zika virus after it bites a person who has this virus in their blood. Thus far in California, Zika virus infections have been documented only in a few people who were infected while travelling outside the United States. A person with Zika is not contagious. Zika is not spread through casual contact such as touching or kissing a person with the virus, or by breathing in the virus. However, according to the CDC, two cases of sexually transmitted Zika virus may have occurred. Caution should be exercised to avoid Zika. Is the Aedes aegypti mosquito present in Riverside County? Yes, the Aedes aegypti mosquito has been recently found in Riverside County in an extremely small area.
    [Show full text]
  • Environmental Factors: Vector Borne Diseases
    Environmental Factors: Vector Borne Diseases Dr. P. V. M. Lakshmi Additional Professor (Epidemiology) School of Public Health PGIMER, Chandigarh Outline or Presentation • Basic definitions • Burden of Vector Borne Diseases (VBDs) • Epidemiological triad • Environmental factors related to VBDs • Climate change What is environment? • All that is external to the individual human host • Environment provides the food people eat, the water they drink, the air they breathe, the energy they command, the plague and pests they combat and the mountain, seas, lakes, streams, plants and animals that they enjoy and depend upon • Physical, biological, social, cultural and other dimensions of the environment commonly interact and influence the health status of individuals and populations (Definition: Dictionary of Epidemiology, IEA) Vector • An insect or any living carrier that transports an infectious agent from an infected individual or its wastes to an susceptible individual • The organism may or may not pass developmental cycle within the vector Vector Borne Diseases • Human illnesses caused by parasites, viruses and bacteria that are transmitted by mosquitoes, sandflies, triatomine bugs, blackflies, ticks, tsetse flies, mites, snails and lice Vector borne diseases • Mosquitoes • Aedes: Chikungunya, Dengue fever, Rift Valley fever, Yellow fever, Zika • Anopheles: Malaria, Lymphatic filariasis • Culex: Japanese encephalitis, Lymphatic filariasis, West Nile fever • Sandflies: • Leishmaniasis, Sandfly fever (phelebotomus fever) Vector borne Diseases…
    [Show full text]
  • Federal Register/Vol. 86, No. 79/Tuesday, April 27, 2021/Notices
    22214 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 79 / Tuesday, April 27, 2021 / Notices to a unique genetic variant or variants establish any rights for any person and DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND that may be amenable to RNA-directed is not binding on FDA or the public. HUMAN SERVICES treatment. You can use an alternative approach if The draft guidance addresses the it satisfies the requirements of the Request for Information (RFI): nonclinical information that FDA applicable statutes and regulations. Developing the National Public Health recommends to support an IND for the Strategy for the Prevention and development of an antisense II. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 Control of Vector-Borne Diseases in oligonucleotide from a well- FDA tentatively concludes that this Humans characterized chemical class, for which draft guidance contains no collection of AGENCY: Office of the Assistant there is substantial nonclinical information. Therefore, clearance by the Secretary for Health (OASH), Office of information and clinical experience that Office of Management and Budget the Secretary, Department of Health and is publicly available or to which the (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Human Services (HHS). sponsor has a right of reference. The Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501– ACTION: Request for information. draft guidance discusses the importance 3521) is not required. of sponsors providing convincing in However, this draft guidance refers to SUMMARY: The development of a vitro and/or in vivo proof of concept previously approved FDA collections of national strategy on vector-borne data as part of any such IND information. These collections of diseases including tickborne diseases submission.
    [Show full text]
  • Minimum Standards in Water Supply Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion
    Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response Minimum Standards in Water S upply, S anitation and H ygiene P romotion How to use this chapter Contents This chapter is divided into seven main sections: Introduction � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 83 Water supply, sanitation and hygiene promotion (WASH) 1� Water supply, sanitation and hygiene promotion (wash) � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 88 Hygiene promotion 2� Hygiene promotion � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 91 Water supply Excreta disposal 3� Water supply � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 97 Vector control 4� Excreta disposal � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 105 Solid waste management Drainage 5� Vector control � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 111 The Protection Principles and Core Standards must be used consistently with this chapter� 6� Solid waste management � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 117 Although primarily intended to inform humanitarian response to a disaster, the minimum standards may also be considered during disaster preparedness and
    [Show full text]
  • Zika Program Vector Control Updated February 2019
    ZIKA PROGRAM VECTOR CONTROL UPDATED FEBRUARY 2019 In February 2016, the World Health Organization declared that clusters of Zika- associated microcephaly and other neurological disorders detected in Brazil constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. USAID is responding to the Zika virus epidemic and its devastating effects in at-risk countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Vector Control is a primary pillar within USAID’s response strategy. Program implementation began in June 2016 and is expected to end by September 2019. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES By investing in control and surveillance of the mosquito that spreads Zika, USAID is strengthening capacity in Latin America and the Caribbean to respond to the current epidemic and future disease threats. USAID is building on existing vector control systems, networks and programs in Zika-affected or at-risk countries to reduce Aedes mosquito populations by: • Strengthening surveillance and vector control systems; • Supporting an integrated approach to vector management; and • Researching, piloting, and scaling new ways to reduce mosquito populations. PARTNERS Through the Zika AIRS Project (ZAP), USAID is reducing populations of the mosquito that carries Zika by applying larvicide in targeted locations and building national and sub-national capacity to conduct vector control and surveillance for Zika and future mosquito-borne outbreaks. ZAP has field offices in USAID.GOV USAID ZIKA PROGRAM / VECTOR CONTROL | 1 seven countries throughout Central America and the Caribbean and provides short-term technical assistance in three additional countries in South America. USAID’s partnership with the Pan American Health Organization supports regional networks for monitoring insecticide resistance and arboviruses in mosquitoes; as well as the implementation of integrated vector management at regional, national, and local levels.
    [Show full text]
  • Vector Control Methods for Use by Individuals and Communities
    CONTENTS i Vector control Methods for use by individuals and communities Prepared by Jan A. Rozendaal World Health Organization Geneva 1997 ii CONTENTS WHO Library Cataloguing in Publication Data Vector control : methods for use by individuals and communities / prepared by Jan A. Rozendaal. 1.Insect control — methods 2.Pest control — methods 3.Disease vectors 4.Manuals I.Rozendaal, Jan Arie ISBN 92 4 154494 5 (NLM Classification: QX 600) The World Health Organization welcomes requests for permission to reproduce or translate its publications, in part or in full. Applications and enquiries should be addressed to the Office of Publications, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, which will be glad to provide the latest information on any changes made to the text, plans for new editions and reprints and translations already available. © World Health Organization 1997 Illustrations © Lois Robertson, unless otherwise specified. Publications of the World Health Organization enjoy copyright protection in accordance with the provisions of Protocol 2 of the Universal Copyright Convention. All rights reserved. The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the World Health Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Dotted lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement. The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned.
    [Show full text]
  • VECTOR CONTROL Frequently Asked Questions
    950 MAIDU AVENUE, SUITE #170 C O U N T Y O F N E V A D A P.O. BOX 599002 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY NEVADA CITY, CA 95959 Trisha Tillotosn, Agency Director PH: (530) 265 -1222 FAX: (530) 265 -9853 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT Env.Health@co .nevada.ca.us Amy Irani, REHS, Director http ://mynevadacounty.com VECTOR CONTROL Frequently Asked Questions What does the Nevada County Vector Control program do? The program consists of a surveillance system that monitors and responds to any vector-borne disease that can be passed from animals to people, including but not limited to: West Nile Virus Plague Hantavirus Rabies Tick borne diseases, such as Lyme Disease, etc. Mosquito control is a main focus of this program with staff monitoring the county for West Nile virus activity by collecting deceased birds for testing to be done by the state and by drawing blood from chickens to check for any disease activity. The program also provides mosquito management by request where a Vector Technician looks for physical, biological and larvicide treatment solutions for property owners. Close collaboration with the State Public Health Biologist and the Nevada County Agriculture and Public Health Departments are essential to locate the source of a potential outbreak, provide surveillance, and conduct public outreach and education. What is West Nile Virus and what are the symptoms? West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne disease that was originally found in Africa, and as of 1999 has moved to the United States. Approximately 80% of people do not develop any symptoms, however about 1 in 5 will get flu-like symptoms that last for a few days, with fatigue and weakness that can last for weeks or months.
    [Show full text]
  • Orange County Vector Control District
    Orange County Vector Control District For Immediate Release Contact: Tuesday, August 28, 2012 Jared Dever, Director of Communications Phone: (714) 971-2421 Fax: (714) 971-3940 E-mail: [email protected] Labor Day Weekend West Nile Virus Alert Garden Grove, CA. The Orange County Vector Control District (OCVCD) reminds residents to stay safe during the holiday weekend by following recommendations to reduce exposure to mosquito bites and prevent infection of West Nile virus (WNV). OCVCD Board of Trustees President James Gomez commented, “The tragic outbreak of West Nile virus in Texas and throughout the Midwest underscores the continued danger of this virus, as reports of human infections in California begin to rise. Compared to surrounding counties, Orange County is currently reporting fewer positive findings of West Nile virus in mosquito, birds, and humans. Our current level of reduced virus activity can be attributed to the vigilance of residents and vector control, partnering in the shared responsibility of mosquito breeding source reduction. However, these reports should not lead residents to believe that the threat of WNV infection is absent from the county.” Summer outdoor activities increase human exposure to mosquitoes, while high temperatures decrease the time required for mosquitoes to develop from egg to adult. This combination results in larger populations of disease-carrying mosquitoes coming in contact with residents. OCVCD routinely tests groups of female mosquitoes, called mosquito pools, and dead birds for the presence of West Nile virus. “West Nile virus outbreaks cannot be accurately predicted based on environmental factors such as wild bird immunity levels, mosquito population density, or annual precipitation.
    [Show full text]