Health
officials throughout Arizona have been monitoring mosquito-borne virus activity
for decades. Mosquito surveillance involves trapping mosquitoes, counting them,
identifying the species, and testing the appropriate mosquito species for
viruses. These surveillance methods are used to better identify areas where
mosquito control efforts are needed. Detection and control of mosquito breeding
sites depends upon integrated efforts among state, county, and tribal agencies,
as well as private citizens. Mosquito-borne viruses are found every year in
Arizona, West Nile virus being the most common. Mosquito-borne virus activity
is usually most prevalent from May through October when mosquitoes are most
abundant. Arizona has expanded its longstanding mosquito-borne virus
surveillance network to detect, monitor and control mosquito-borne diseases
such as St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE) and West Nile virus (WNV).
Every
month from March through October over 300 samples of mosquitoes are collected
by health officials throughout Arizona and tested for West Nile Virus (WNV) at the Arizona State
Public Health Laboratory, with many more local vector control departments
conducting their own WNV testing. Dead birds and horses are tested for WNV at
the University of Arizona's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Reporting of
mosquito-borne diseases in humans and horses by physicians and veterinarians,
is critical for detecting and responding to WNV statewide. This surveillance
data allows public health officials to identify communities at higher risk for
mosquito-borne disease transmission, so appropriate measures can be taken to
reduce risk.
Starting
in 2013 chikungunya virus expanded into the Western hemisphere causing a
widespread outbreak throughout the Americas. Meanwhile, dengue virus has had an
increased incidence and geographic expansion throughout the region. In light of
these developments there is an ongoing effort to conduct surveillance and
control for their mosquito vectors. Although there have been no locally
acquired cases of chikungunya or dengue identified in Arizona, the presence of
the vector species increases the risk for locally acquired cases to occur.
Protection from Mosquitoes
There
are very few mosquito-borne diseases that have vaccines approved for human use.
Therefore, the most effective way to protect your self is with protection from
the mosquitoes themselves. Luckily, there are a number of simple measures that
will help protect you, your family, and your home. They can be divided into two
categories; interventions that provide personal protection from mosquitoes, and
interventions that protect your home.
The most effective ways to protect yourself
and your family from mosquitoes include:
Wearing
insect repellent when outdoors and at all times of day. Be sure to apply it
according to the package instructions, and always apply after sunscreen. If you
choose to open the windows and doors ensure that they have intact screens
installed. Wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors at all times a
day, when possible.
The most effective ways to protect your home
from mosquitoes includes the following:
Always
use air conditioning over leaving the windows and doors open. If you do chose
to open the windows and doors ensure that they have intact screens installed.
Keep
your yard clean and clear from debris, which reduces the number of places
mosquitoes can lay their eggs. Make sure to dump or cover all water holding
containers regularly. Mosquitoes can lay their eggs in almost any standing
water. If you have any standing water that can’t be dumped, such as pools,
ponds, etc., be sure to treat those with the appropriate chemicals. This will
stop mosquitoes from laying eggs on your property.
Prevent Bites
Use
EPA-registered insect repellents that contain at least 20% DEET (products
include Cutter Backwoods and Off! Deep Woods). Other repellents protect against
mosquitoes but may not be effective against ticks or other bugs.
Picaridin
(also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin); products include Cutter
Advanced, Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus, and Autan Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
or para-menthane-diol (PMD); products include Repel Lemon Eucalyptus IR3535;
products include Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition and SkinSmart.
Find the
EPA-registered insect repellent that is right for you. The effectiveness of
insect repellents that are not registered with the EPA, including some natural
repellents, is not known.
*Insect
repellent brand names are provided for your information only. The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention and the US Department of Health and Human
Services cannot recommend or endorse any name-brand products.
When using insect repellent, follow the instructions
on the package and reapply as directed:
· In general, higher percentages of the active ingredient provide
longer-lasting protection.
· If you are also using sunscreen, apply it first, let it dry, and then
apply repellent. Do not use products that contain both sunscreen and repellent.
· Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
· Consider using clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and
tents) that are treated with permethrin (an insecticide). You can buy
pre-treated clothes or treat your own clothes. If treating items yourself,
follow instructions carefully. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Cover Exposed Skin
As much
as possible, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and a hat. Tuck your
shirt into your pants, and tuck your pants into your socks for maximum
protection.
