News Briefs 11.20.2024
Request for Mosquitofish Program Photographs; Send in Tick Program Updates; Upcoming Events; 93rd MVCAC Conference; Trustee Session Announced; MVCAC Conference Hotel Scam Alert; New Education and Outreach Factsheets Now Available; Grassroots Advocacy; News
News Briefs 11.13.2024
Request for Mosquitofish Program Photographs; Send in Tick Program Updates; Upcoming Events; 93rd MVCAC Conference; Trustee Session Announced; MVCAC Conference Hotel Scam Alert; New Education and Outreach Factsheets Now Available; Grassroots Advocacy; News
News Briefs 11.7.2024
Request for Mosquitofish Program Photographs; Send in Tick Program Updates; Upcoming Events; 93rd MVCAC Conference; Trustee Session Announced; MVCAC Conference Hotel Scam Alert; New Education and Outreach Factsheets Now Available; Grassroots Advocacy; Mosquito 101 Factsheet; News
News Brief 10.30.2024
Request for Mosquitofish Program Photographs; Submit Your Communications Resources to the AMCA’s Resource Hub; Send in Tick Program Updates; Vector and Vector-borne Disease Committee Seeking Information; Upcoming Events; 93rd MVCAC Conference; Trustee Session Announced; MVCAC Conference Hotel Scam Alert; New Education and Outreach Factsheets Now Available; Grassroots Advocacy; Mosquito 101 Factsheet; News
Click here to view
Submit Your Communications Resources to the AMCA’s Resource Hub
Later this year, AMCA will be launching the new National Communication Strategy for Mosquito Control, one key part of the project is the Resource Hub, a new online platform designed to provide mosquito control community and the public with a wealth of resources for effective public communication.
The goal is to create a collaborative space where professionals can share their best practices and resources to help us all better educate and engage with the public. AMCA is inviting districts and public health agencies to contribute your materials to the Hub for our initial kickoff, which will include a variety of resources such as:
- Social Media & Digital Collateral: Graphics, videos, and other digital assets for social media and online platforms.
- Press Releases & Announcements: Templates and examples for crafting effective press releases and announcements.
- Fact Sheets & FAQs: Informative materials addressing common questions and concerns about mosquitoes and mosquito control.
- Educational & Classroom Resources: Lesson plans, activities, and materials for educating students and the public about mosquito-borne diseases and prevention.
- And more!
To submit your resources, please use the form here by November 1st. If you can’t make the deadline, don’t worry there will be more opportunities to contribute in the future.
Let’s work together to build a comprehensive and valuable resource hub for our community! Any questions? Contact AMCA Technical Advisor Dan Markowski at amca.ta@mosquito.org
Request for Mosquitofish Program Photographs
The MVCAC Mosquitofish and Biocontrol Subcommittee invites your District to share historic and current photos of your mosquitofish program for a special photomontage at the 2025 MVCAC Annual Meeting in Oakland. Please Click Here to submit your digitized photos. Highest resolution photos are encouraged and preferred. Please include your District name with all photos and submit by December 4, 2024. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your program!
For more information please contact either Mike Saba, msaba@ocvector.org or Mark Wieland, markw@mosquitoes.org.
News Brief 10.23.2024
Send in Tick Program Updates; Vector and Vector-borne Disease Committee Seeking Information; Upcoming Events; 93rd MVCAC Conference; Trustee Session Announced; MVCAC Conference Hotel Scam Alert; New Education and Outreach Factsheets Now Available; Grassroots Advocacy; Mosquito 101 Factsheet; News
Click here to view
Send in Tick Program Updates
Dear MVCAC Members,
As part of our ongoing efforts to support tick surveillance and Lyme disease prevention, please remember to provide any updates to your district’s tick programs to Paula Macedo, who is serving as our representative on the Lyme Disease Advisory Council.
Additionally, please contact DART to grant permission to share tick data with third parties. This collaboration will help strengthen our public health initiatives and contribute to a broader understanding of tick-borne disease risks across California.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your continued support in advancing our vector control efforts.
Best regards,
Conlin
Evaluation of landscaping and vegetation management to suppress host-seeking Ixodes scapularis (Ixodida: Ixodidae) nymphs on residential properties in Connecticut, USA
MA Linske, SC Williams. 2024. Evaluation of landscaping and vegetation management to suppress host-seeking Ixodes scapularis (Ixodida: Ixodidae) nymphs on residential properties in Connecticut, USA. Environmental Entomology, 53(2), 268–276.
https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/nvae007
Abstract [shortened]: Prior studies established that I. scapularis can be found in greatest abundance in the 1-m forested ecotone surrounding the lawn edge in residential backyards. Our study was conducted on 42 properties in Guilford, CT, and sought to expand upon this premise by determining which key habitat features were associated with increased densities of host-seeking I. scapularis nymphs. We quantified nymphal abundances in 19 different habitat types that were posited to in- fluence densities. We determined that nymphal I. scapularis densities were greatest in forested areas closest to lawn edges with leaf litter or understory vegetation present, as well as short lawns adjacent to woodland edges. Additionally, we determined that there were no significant declines in nymphal I. scapularis density where leaf litter was removed, lawns were left unmowed, or woodchip barriers were installed. Bird feeders and woodpiles were not associated with increased nymphal I. scapularis densities. However, areas adjacent to stone walls did have nearly 3 times the density of I. scapularis nymphs present compared with habitats without stone walls. The culmination of the results from this study can be utilized to create more targeted acaricide applications rather than broadcast spraying, as well as increase homeowner awareness for areas with heightened risk for exposure to nymphal I. scapularis, which are deemed the most epidemiologically important species and stage for pathogen transfer to humans. Note: Patterns for I. pacificus that frequently utilize lizards as hosts may be somewhat different.
News Brief 10.09.2024
Vector and Vector-borne Disease Committee Seeking Information; Upcoming Events; Call for Papers – EXTENDED to October 18; Applications for the 2025 William C. Reeves New Investigator Award; Applications for the 2025 Poster Session and William E. Walton Poster Competition; SB 1251 Signed Into Law; 93rd MVCAC Conference; MVCAC Conference Hotel Scam Alert; Dead Bird Call Center Season Ending October 11th; New Education and Outreach Factsheets Now Available; Grassroots Advocacy; Mosquito 101 Factsheet; News
Click here to view
Vector and Vector-borne Disease Committee Seeking Information on Arthropod Colonies Being Maintained
The MVCAC Vector and Vector-borne Disease Committee is gathering information on arthropod colonies that are being maintained, including mosquitoes, ticks, and others. Please let us know what you are rearing on this form. We appreciate your help: https://forms.gle/NsNRCcmniUUKYDUY6
If there are questions, please reach out to Kim Hung (khung@cvmosquito.org)
Call for Papers, Posters and William C. Reeve’s Award Application Deadlines
Call for Papers
The theme for the 93rd Annual MVCAC Conference is “Vector Control- A path to a more hospitable world”. The prime topics for consideration are below but please consider submitting even if your paper does not fit into one of these topics. All submissions will be considered. The deadline for submission is October 18, 2024. Requests made following this date may not be honored and may not appear in the conference program.
- Network System Security Preparedness
- Droplet Deposition/Characterization
- Data Visualization Tools/CalSurv
- Reducing Vector-borne Disease Risk through Messaging Campaigns
- Vertebrate Vector Control
- Vector-borne Disease in California
- WNV, SLE, Zika, Dengue, Malaria
- Hantavirus, Plague, Typhus
- Invasive Aedes Successes & Failures
- Novel Mosquito Control Trials
- Application Equipment
- 3D Printing Symposium
- Mosquitofish Rearing & Transport
- Suspect Pool ID Access and treatment strategies
Questions? Please reach out to Senior Meeting Manager, Rachel Hickerson at rhickerson@amgroup.us.
Call for the 2025 Poster Session and William E. Walton Poster Competition
Applications for the 2025 Poster Session and William E. Walton Poster Competition will be accepted through October 11, 2024. The objective of the competition is to recognize exceptional poster presentations in the field of mosquito and vector control research and operations in honor of the late Dr. William (Bill) E. Walton who was passionate about and committed his career to entomology and vector ecology. Presentations entered to compete should be focused on basic, applied science or scientific methods, include a clear hypothesis, experiment(s), and result(s), and cannot be purely theoretical. For more information, please refer to the William E. Walton Poster Competition guidelines and rules documents. This application is for all poster submissions, interested applicants for the Walton Competition must opt-in to the competition on the application form.
2025 William C. Reeves New Investigator Award
Applications for the 2025 William C. Reeves New Investigator Award will be accepted through October 11, 2024. The William C. Reeves New Investigator Award, memorializing Dr. William C. Reeves, who was a renowned University of California entomologist, is sponsored by the Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC).The award is presented to the best scientific paper submitted and presented at the annual MVCAC conference. The Reeves New Investigator Award application differs from the MVCAC Call for Papers, if you have an additional speaking topic for the Call for Papers, please follow that application and guidelines.
Dead Bird Call Center Season Ending October 11th
The West Nile Virus and Dead Bird Call Center will transition to accepting internet reports only for the winter season on Friday, October 11th, at 12 pm. That day will mark the end of the WNV dead bird testing season for 2024. To date this year, approximately 5,488 dead birds have been reported, 1,578 have been tested, and 458 have tested positive for WNV.
Winter protocol: Beginning in the afternoon of October 11th, those calling to report a dead bird will hear a message encouraging them to visit westnile.ca.gov to fill out an online report. Online reporters will receive an appropriate automatic email response with carcass disposal advice, how to contact their local VCD, or instructions for further action if the bird is suitable and the local agency is testing. We will review each internet report and follow up as necessary.
Testing by RNASound cards: For the agencies with continued winter WNV dead bird testing who do not test in-house, RNASound cards may continue to be shipped to DART (UC Davis Arbovirus Research and Training Laboratory). Turnaround time will be longer, however, and there will be some periods of closure around major holidays.
If you have specific questions or concerns about year-round testing for your agency, please do not hesitate to reach out:
Marie Cerda
Vector Ecologist and Dead Bird Program Coordinator
California Department of Public Health, Vector Borne Disease Section
850 Marina Bay Parkway
Richmond CA 94804
(510) 412-6255 | Marie.Cerda@cdph.ca.gov
DENGUE/DHF UPDATE (80): USA (CALIFORNIA) LOCALLY ACQUIRED
A ProMED-mail post
Date: Tue 17 Sep 2024 17:05 EDT
Source: Newswise [edited]
Amid southern California’s recent record-breaking heat wave and fast-moving wildfires, public health officials reported the third locally acquired case of dengue fever in the Los Angeles area. Although the events seem unrelated, they actually are connected — and for troubling reasons. Communicated by: ProMED “”This is the third locally acquired dengue case in the Los Angeles, California area this year (2024). This resident was bitten by a dengue virus-infected mosquito, most likely _Aedes aegypti_ or _Aedes albopictus_, both of which have been detected in California over the past 20 years. The question with all these locally acquired infections is: where, when and from whom did the vector take the infectious blood meal? Did that infected individual acquire their dengue infection locally or in a dengue-endemic country and subsequently traveled to Los Angeles County, California while viremic? The risk of ongoing transmission depends on the presence of vector mosquitoes. There are 24 counties in California in which _Aedes aegypti_ and _Aedes albopictus_ have been found over the past 20 years.”
Poster Power: How to Create an Engaging and Effective Research Poster
from Sabita Ranabhat
This post is part of a series contributed by the Entomological Society of America Student Affairs Committee. Whether you’re using a poster or giving a talk, the way you communicate can make a significant difference in how your work is perceived. Understanding your audience and presenting your research in a clear, engaging manner is key to making a lasting impact. Scientific posters come with the unique challenge of explaining research concepts in a visually compelling way yet in a limited space. This post provides find essential tips on how to create an effective poster presentation that not only conveys your findings but also leaves a lasting impression on your audience.
Award Nominations 2024
It’s nomination time! Nominations are now open for MVCAC’s Meritorious Service, Honorary Member, and the Service with Distinction Awards. All nominations must be received in the MVCAC office by October 7th .
Award Criteria:
- Honorary Membership- for any person who has rendered exceptional, distinguished service in the interest of mosquito or vector control in the state of California
- Meritorious Service- for any member or nonmember who have made special and significant contributions to the field of mosquito control in the State of California or elsewhere
- Service with Distinction- may be conferred on those who have made a significant contribution to fulfilling the mission of the Association. They must meet the following criteria: Made exceptional professional or voluntary service in support of the advancement and continued excellence of the Association; have earned national or international distinction for their services in the subject of mosquito and vector control; have made a significant contribution to any local community within the jurisdiction of their agency and focused on mosquito and vector control.
Honorary and Meritorious Service requires 5 letters from district managers in support of their nomination. Service with Distinction nominations can come from any MVCAC member.
For all award nominations, a list of the individuals qualifying accomplishments and achievements must also be received with the nomination letter.
Please submit nominations via email to mvcac@mvcac.org or fax at 916-444-7462 attn: Award Nominations
Please do not hesitate to contact the MVCAC office if you have any questions!
GROUND-BASED PYRETHROID ADULTICIDES REDUCE MOSQUITOES BUT NOT NONTARGET INSECTS IN CENTRAL FLORIDA
GROUND-BASED PYRETHROID ADULTICIDES REDUCE MOSQUITOES BUT NOT NONTARGET INSECTS IN CENTRAL FLORIDA. Hart, JD, et al. 2024. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 40(3):125–136, 2024.
ABSTRACT. As stewards of public and environmental health, mosquito control agencies are rightfully concerned about [treatment] impacts on nontarget organisms. This study examined the impact of a modern, pyrethroid based ground adulticide program using ultra-low volume applications in a metropolitan county in central Florida. Nontarget insects and mosquitoes were collected in a before-after control-impact design at 21 sites over 1.5 years. While mosquitoes were reduced, we found no evidence for reduction of nontarget insects, regardless of taxon. Night-flying Lepidoptera may experience greater risk than other nontarget taxa, but overall effects of adulticide missions on this group were low and inconsistent. Instead, meteorology, habitat, and phenology dominate patterns of nontarget abundance. Mosquito reduction was more clearly observed and corrected post-mission reduction was consistent with results expected in complex urban and suburban treatment zones.
Note: Interestingly this paper did not present results for Diptera groups closely related to mosquitoes such as the Chironomidae, but rather focused on larger-bodied groups such as the Calliphoridae. Regardless, the study seemed well-done and should provide useful information to support the application of adulticides.
Colorado tick fever in the United States
Colorado tick fever in the United States, 2013-2022. Fagre A., et al. Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg., 111(3), 2024, pp. 598–602 doi:10.4269/ajtmh.24-0044
Abstract [condensed]. Colorado tick fever (CTF) virus is an arbovirus maintained in an enzootic cycle between Rocky Mountain wood ticks (Dermacentor andersoni) and rodent species in the western United States. Individuals with CTF typically present with symptoms including fever, headache, myalgia, and lethargy, with a biphasic illness frequently occurring. ‘Authors’ reviewed data on CTF cases reported to the national U.S. arboviral disease surveillance system and identified through testing at the CDC to characterize the epidemiology of CTF from 2013–2022. During this period, 148 CTF cases were identified, all likely infected in an endemic area in one of six states (Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, Idaho). These findings substantiate the continued circulation of CTF virus in the western United States, highlighting the importance of implementing approaches to ensure CTF awareness for medical providers and providing education on tick bite prevention strategies for residents and visitors to risk areas.
Note: Although CTF cases have not be reported from California, the authors’ distribution maps show the presence of the principal vector D. andersoni in the Sierra, Tehachapi and northern Coast Ranges.
EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPALITIS – NORTH AMERICA (10): USA (NEW HAMPSHIRE) HUMAN, FATAL
A ProMED-mail post http://www.promedmail.org ProMED-mail is a program of the International Society for Infectious Diseases http://www.isid.org Date: Tue 27 Aug 2024
Source: New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services [edited] https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/news-and-media/nh-dhhs-identifies-person-infected-eastern-equine-encephalitis-virus-new-hampshire
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) has identified an adult from Hampstead, New Hampshire who tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) infection, was hospitalized due to severe central nervous system disease, and has passed away due to the illness. DHHS offers our sympathies to the individual’s family and friends.
EEEV is a rare but serious disease transmitted to people by infected mosquitos. The last reported human EEEV infection in New Hampshire was in 2014, when DHHS identified 3 human infections, including 2 fatalities. In addition to the person with EEEV infection announced today [27 Aug 2024], EEEV has been detected in one horse and 7 mosquito batches in New Hampshire so far this summer. EEEV has also been detected in neighboring states, including in Massachusetts (one person, one horse, and 69 mosquito samples) and Vermont (one person and 47 mosquito samples).
Note: This article references a series of postings concerning EEEV activity in the NE USA. Increased EEEV combined with WNV activity has triggered evening curfews and widespread adulticide applications that have made the national news. EEEV in an Alphavirus within the family Togaviridae that is widely distributed east of the Mississippi River and throughout South America. In the eastern USA Culiseta melanura is the principal enzootic vector, with a series of Aedes, Coquillettidia and Culex species serving a bridge vectors. The virus is not found in California, although historically it was isolated from a deceased yearling horse with a travel history that died in San Bernardino during the spring of 2000.
Optimizing and synchronizing Aedes aegypti colony for Sterile Insect Technique application: Egg hatching, larval development, and adult emergence rate
Abstract
Mosquito Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) programs can be developed in smaller agencies through synchronization of the colony development to take advantage of the natural male early emergence. This paper examined key aspects of Ae. aegypti colony synchronization work, including egg hatching, larval development, and adult emergence to produce sufficient numbers of adult male mosquitoes within a specific timeframe for irradiation and release. Our data indicated that a relatively low percentage of males are required for colony propagation. Additional results highlighted that fresher Ae. aegypti eggs could yield as high as a 93 % hatching success than older eggs when placed under vacuum pressure in yeast infused water for 1.5 h. Eggs that were one-month old hatched (93 %) better than older eggs (0–32 %). A higher egg density in the hatching flask was correlated to a lower hatch rate, and higher larval density was related to unsynchronized pupae and delayed adult emergence. By keeping Ae. aegypti larvae at reasonable density, over 95 % of adults emerged on the first two days of emergence – indicating a high synchronicity. A standardized colony maintenance protocol therefore renders a synchronized larval development and adult male emergence which are critical in SIT programs.
MVCAC Statement on Eastern Equine Encephalitis
Eastern equine encephalitis is a serious disease that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is prevalent on the East Coast and around the Great Lakes and has not been detected in California. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, human eastern equine encephalitis cases occur relatively infrequently, largely because the primary transmission cycle takes place in and around swampy areas where people are less likely to go.
An average of 11 human cases of eastern equine encephalitis are reported in the U.S. each year. As of August 27, 2024, the CDC reported four human cases, in Wisconsin, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Vermont. In addition, officials in New Hampshire have reported one death.
California mosquito control experts are continuously monitoring for disease threats and working to protect public health. West Nile virus is the most prevalent and serious disease transmitted by mosquitoes in California. An important way to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites is to apply insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, including DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535, to clothes and exposed skin when spending time outside.
Download the full statement here
Preparation for targeted sterile insect technique to control invasive Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in southern California: dose-dependent response, survivorship, and competitiveness
Abstract
Aedes aegypti is fast spreading across California, with over 300 cities within 22 central and southern counties being infested since its introduction in 2013. Due to its cryptic breeding habitats, control efforts have not been successful so far. This calls for innovative tools such as sterile insect technique (SIT) to reinforce the existing integrated pest management (IPM). Here, we assessed fitness, survivorship, and dose response of X-ray irradiated male Ae. aegypti in California. Locally acquired Ae. aegypti eggs were hatched and reared in temperature-controlled laboratory setting at the West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District in Ontario, California. Freshly emerged adult male mosquitoes were manually separated using motor-operated aspirators and treated with X-ray radiation at different dosage (42–60 Gy). Dose response of irradiated males was analyzed and induced sterility determined. Survivorship of males treated with different X-ray doses was compared. Fecundity of females that mated with irradiated males at different X-ray doses was generally comparable. Overall, induced sterility increased with higher X-ray doses. Nulliparous females that mated with male Ae. aegypti treated with 55–60 Gy laid eggs with over 99% sterility. Non-irradiated male mosquitoes had higher survivorship (mean = 0.78; P = 0.0331) than irradiated mosquitoes (mean range = 0.50–0.65). The competitiveness index of irradiated males decreased with increasing X-ray treatment doses, 1.14 at 55 Gy and 0.49 at 60 Gy, and this difference was significant (P < 0.01). Irradiated males showed high survivorship and competitiveness—key for the anticipated SIT application for the control of invasive Ae. aegypti in California.
OROPOUCHE VIRUS – USA: ex CUBA
OROPOUCHE VIRUS – USA: ex CUBA
A ProMED-mail post http://www.promedmail.org ProMED-mail is a program of the International Society for Infectious Diseases http://www.isid.org
Date: Mon 19 Aug 2024 16:00 CDT Source: Precision Vaccinations [edited] https://www.precisionvaccinations.com/2024/08/19/11-oropouche-fever-cases-diagnosed-florida
[Shortened] Throughout 2024, Cuba has been grappling with an outbreak of Oropouche fever. And now, its western neighbor, the United States, has started to report cases related to travelers from Cuba. The Florida Department of Health (FDH) has recently reported 11 Oropouche fever cases. As of August 10, 2024, these Florida cases had their onset in 2024 and were found in individuals who had traveled toCuba 2 weeks before showing symptoms.
Throughout 2024, more than 8000 Oropouche cases, including 2 deaths and 5 cases of vertical transmission, were reported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [see https://www.cdc.gov/oropouche/about/index.html ].
According to the CDC, approximately 60% of people infected with the Oropouche virus become symptomatic. The incubation period is typically 3-10 days. Although people exposed to biting midges or mosquitoes infected with the virus are most at risk for developing the disease, the risk factors for more severe Oropouche virus are not well-defined. The initial clinical presentation is similar to diseases caused by dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses.
In the United States, healthcare providers should contact local health departments to facilitate diagnostic testing.
Note: See the rest of the ProMed post for additional details and links to other information. Oropouche virus is in the group Orthobunyavirus and is transmitted by Diptera in the family Ceratopogonidae. The reputed primary vector in South America, Culicoides paraensis, is not found in North America, but California has other Ceratopogonidae, including the vector of Blue Tongue virus, Culicoides sonorensis, and the painful biting ‘no-see-um’, Leptoconops torrens. These species have not been tested for vector competence for Oropouche. There have been isolations of this virus from Coquillettidia and Aedes mosquitoes, and there have been reports suggesting that Culex quinquefasciatus are involved in some urban transmission.
Nominee for 2025-2026 Vice President Announced
Congratulations to Michelle Brown, PHD, District Manager of West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District on accepting the Nominating Committee’s nomination for Vice President for the 2025-2026 year. For information on Michelle’ achievements, please click here.
Additionally, per the MVCAC bylaws, nominations from the floor must be sought. As this wasn’t handled at the Summer meeting, please submit any nominees by August 30th to rhickerson@amgroup.us to be considered on the ballot.
Ballots will be emailed out prior to the Fall board meeting for final vote from districts.
Trustee Representation Sought
Each year, a trustee representative is elected to sit on the MVCAC Board of Directors. This position is an active part of the board of directors, working with other dedicated trustees in the state to continue providing their voice to the association.
If you are interested in fulfilling this position, please reach out to Wakoli Wekesa, Past President of MVCAC and Nomination Chairperson by August 23, 2024. He will compile a list and have eligible names ready for the ballot by the fall. The position would begin January 1 and conclude December 31st. The trustee representative will be expected to attend all board meetings (both live and virtually) and has a vote in the association. They are also responsible for shaping the Trustee session during the MVCAC Annual Conference.
Wakoli can be reached by email wwekesa@eastsidemosquito.com and by phone 209-522-4098.
TRYPANOSOMIASIS (CHAGAS DISEASE) – USA: (DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA) IMMIGRANTS
TRYPANOSOMIASIS (CHAGAS DISEASE) – USA: (DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA) IMMIGRANTS. A ProMED-mail post. http://www.promedmail.org. Date: Wed 17 Jul 2024
Source: MedPage Today [edited] https://www.medpagetoday.com/cardiology/prevention/111126
Researchers from a Washington, DC center confirmed that there was a high prevalence of Chagas disease in a sample of Latin American immigrants hospitalized with cardiac conditions. Of 97 adults who underwent a transthoracic echocardiogram for cardiac symptoms and immigrated from a Chagas disease-endemic country in Latin America, 16 tested positive for _Trypanosoma cruzi_ infection, reported Ajay Kerai, MD, of MedStar Washington Hospital Center, and colleagues. Note: This is not limited to the East Coast at this report mentions “….a prevalence of 19% in people with an LVEF <40% in Los Angeles.” It is not clear how infectious patients with chronic infections are to susceptible triatome vectors which can be found within California. There have been no reports of secondary cases so far.
Diagnosis and Genomic Characterization of the Largest Western Equine Encephalitis Virus Outbreak in Uruguay During 2023–2024
Diagnosis and Genomic Characterization of the Largest Western Equine Encephalitis Virus Outbreak in Uruguay During 2023–2024. Tomas, G. et al. 2024, Research Square Preprint.
Abstract [shortened]. The most recent large outbreak of WEEV occurred in the Southern cone of South America from November 2023 to April 2024, affecting many equines and humans in Argentina and Uruguay. The virus affected 1,086 horses and caused 388 deaths in all regions of Uruguay. We obtained genomes from 15 strains using a novel multiplex PCR assay combined with next-generation Illumina sequencing. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that samples from Uruguay and Brazil collected during 2023–2024 and an Argentine strain from 1958 share a common evolutionary origin and are distinct from North American strains. Phylogenetic and epidemiological data on the outbreak suggest that it originated in Argentina and spread to Uruguay and Brazil, likely by movements of infected birds. Genomic analysis also revealed mispairing in real-time PCR primers and probes that may affect official diagnostic protocols, highlighting the need for assay updates. Our research emphasizes the need to map the genetic diversity of WEEV in South America to understand their epidemiology and develop effective control approaches.
Note: Although the WEEV strains isolated here differed from those historically found in North America, the recent introduction of SLEV strains found in California were most similar to historical isolates from Argentina, perhaps indicating a proven path for introduction. Comments concerning RT-PCR diagnosis were similar to minor problems CVEC encountered detecting WNV using the current RT-PCR probes and problems encountered developing the current WEEV probes.
MVCAC Annual Conference Hotel Scam
MVCAC has become aware of companies contacting our exhibitors and possibly our members, falsely claiming to be a housing bureau authorized to secure rooms at the Oakland Marriott where the MVCAC Annual Conference will be taking place next year. We want to remind you to book your conference hotel room only through the official MVCAC booking link.
These entities may offer rooms at purportedly discounted rates. Please be aware that these are unauthorized third-party entities without any affiliation with MVCAC or the Oakland Marriott. They have no authority to make reservations on behalf of attendees.
These companies may book rooms for you at fully prepaid rates with no option for cancellation or changes, and they offer no support if issues arise with your reservation. They are essentially poachers of hotel room blocks.
The only legitimate way to reserve accommodations for any MVCAC event is through the booking link provided directly by us in partnership with the hotel. Reservations made through any other means will not be credited within our block and could potentially put us in an attrition risk.
We are actively monitoring this situation and urge you to inform us if you are contacted by such companies. Unfortunately, there is little recourse against their actions.
Booking through the official MVCAC booking link ensures both you and MVCAC are protected! Find the booking link here.
Duration of Fever in Patients with Dengue: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Duration of Fever in Patients with Dengue: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Gupta, N., et al. Am.J. Trop. Med. Hyg., 111(1), 2024, pp. 5–10. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.23-0542.
Abstract [Shortened]. There is a need to establish the average fever duration with a confidence interval among patients with dengue. Studies up to October 21, 2022 from two databases (PubMed and Embase) were included using the search terms related to dengue and duration of fever. Studies where the average duration of fever was available were included for systematic review. A total of 643 articles were included from the two databases after duplicate deletion. After two rounds of screening, 31 articles (n 57,905) were finally included. The mean duration of fever in the 20 articles included for meta-analysis was 5.1 (95% CI: 4.7–5.5) days. Longer duration of fever was seen in those with a higher grade of fever, those with higher disease severity, and those with concurrent bacterial infections.
Note: The is considerable overlap between the onset of febrile and viremia stages following dengue infection, especially as it relates to infectivity to mosquitoes [see ]. Most likely the onset of fever is the first indication of illness to the patient and may provide a ‘skeletal’ timeline for the 1st recognition of the onset of dengue viremia. As the time window is short, early detection and reporting are important for surveillance to detect infected Aedes and possible secondary infections.
Summer Legislative Recess
Legislators will be home in their districts from July 4-August 2. This is a great time to schedule a meeting at their district office or invite them to tour your MVCD. On the Leg Day Google site you can find a list of legislators and the collateral materials used for Leg Day in Sacramento. You can also find resources in the Grassroots Advocacy Toolkit which includes a compilation of outreach best practices, a sample tour invite email, a mosquito 101 presentation, and an evergreen story map for you to use when inviting and hosting a legislator at your district.
MVCAC Corporate Member Fiscal Status Report Submission for 2024-25 Dues
It’s that time of year again! Please fill out and email or fax back this year’s MVCAC Fiscal Status Report Form for your district’s MVCAC dues to be calculated.
Dues for Corporate Members are due on July 1st of each year for the fiscal year ending June 30th of the following year. Unpaid dues will be considered late on September 1st. After September 1st, a late notice will be sent which will include a $50 late payment fee. Corporate members that do not pay their dues and late fee by October 31st will be dropped from the membership rolls.
If you are interested in continuing to contribute to the West Nile Virus Call Center and indicate the amount you would like to contribute. That information then will be passed along to Heluyna Health who will provide the billing. MVCAC is only providing them the information and not providing billing services.
Second, as more and more work is being done assisting our International districts, we established a fund to help offset costs if a district member should want to go help with these efforts but may have a district that cannot fully provide monetary support. If you are able to give a little bit into this fund, please note on the dues sheet how much and we will bill you for the amount. This fund is not being budgeted into our annual budget, will only show as a pass through amount and will not be used for any other association costs.
Also, please do note that if you pay your membership dues via credit card, we will then bill you for the credit card fee per MVCAC policy.
Please feel free to contact the office if you have any questions. Thank you for supporting MVCAC.
2025 MVCAC Plenary Speaker Announced
Monday morning, January 27
Historical and Personal Reflections on Mosquito Ecology and Control
Phil Lounibos, PHD
Bio:
A sixth-generation Californian, Phil Lounibos grew up on a chicken farm in Petaluma. He attended the University of Notre Dame, where he was introduced to mosquito research in the lab of the late George Craig. After a PhD in biology at Harvard University, as a postdoctoral fellow at the Mosquito Biology Unit of the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology, he oversaw the first trials for genetic control of Aedes aegypti on the Kenya coast and performed independent research on other East African container mosquitoes. From 1977-2017, from the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory he conducted in both Florida and South America ecological, behavioral, and physiological studies on a wide range of mosquito species. The ecology of invasive mosquito species, especially Ae. aegypti and Aedes albopictus, and mechanisms of displacement and segregation, were major themes of his final two decades of research at FMEL, funded by NIH. Lounibos mentored numerous graduate students and postdocs as a faculty member of the University of Florida.
SB 1251 (Stern) Passed the Senate
SB 1251 (Stern), sponsored by MVCAC, passed the Senate almost unanimously and now goes on to the Assembly. SB 1251 would allow mosquito control districts to request a plan be filed with utility corporations for the purposes of entering into vector management agreements within 6 months of a request being sent. We will keep you posted on when the bill will be heard next.
Call for Nominations: Treasurer Position at MVCAC!
Dear MVCAC Members,
The Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC) is excited to announce an open call for nominations for the position of Treasurer. This is a pivotal role within our organization, responsible for overseeing the financial affairs that drive our mission forward.
We are thankful to our long-time Treasurer David I’Anson for his work in the role and wish him well as he heads into other volunteer endeavors.
With that, we are now soliciting nominations for our Treasurer to be sworn-in at the July Board of Directors Meeting.
Per our bylaws, the Treasurer serves as a non-voting member of the Board and holds a term of three years, with the possibility of reappointment for a second term subject to the approval of the Board. As the financial steward of MVCAC, the Treasurer plays a crucial role in maintaining our fiscal health and ensuring compliance with all financial reporting and tax requirements applicable to nonprofit organizations.
The duties and responsibilities of the Treasurer include, but are not limited to:
- Receiving and reviewing monthly financial reports, including investment reports.
- Presenting the financial report at each board meeting.
- Collaborating with staff to develop and present the annual budget.
- Serving as custodian for all MVCAC financial accounts and approving all financial transactions.
- Ensuring compliance with all financial reporting and tax requirements applicable to nonprofit organizations.
To be eligible for nomination, candidates must meet the following qualifications:
- Active membership in MVCAC (required).
- Understanding of financial and tax reporting requirements for nonprofit organizations.
We invite you to nominate yourself or encourage fellow member who possesses the necessary skills, experience, and dedication to serve as MVCAC’s Treasurer. Nominations can be submitted by emailing MVCAC Executive Director Megan MacNee at mmacnee@amgroup.us no later than May 30th. Please include a brief statement outlining the nominee’s qualifications and commitment to the role.
The MVCAC Nomination’s Committee will review the nomination and make a recommendation to the board in July.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement in advancing the mission of MVCAC. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in mosquito and vector control efforts across California.
Successful introgression of wMel Wolbachia into Aedes aegypti populations in Fiji, Vanuatu and Kiribati.
Simmons CP, Donald W, Tagavi L, Tarivonda L, Quai T, Tavoa R, et al. (2024)Successful introgression of wMel Wolbachia into Aedes aegypti populations in Fiji, Vanuatu and Kiribati. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 18(3): e0012022. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012022
Abstract. Introgression of the intracellular bacterium Wolbachia pipientis (wMel strain) into Ae. aegypti populations reduces their vector competence and consequently lowers dengue incidence in the human population. Here we describe successful area-wide deployments of wMel-infected Ae. aegypti in Suva, Lautoka, Nadi (Fiji), Port Vila (Vanuatu) and South Tarawa (Kiribati). With community support, weekly releases of wMel-infected Ae. aegypti mosquitoes for between 2 to 5 months resulted in wMel introgression in nearly all locations. Long term monitoring confirmed a high, self-sustaining prevalence of wMel infecting mosquitoes in almost all deployment areas. Measurement of public health outcomes were disrupted by the Covid19 pandemic but are expected to emerge in the coming years.
Note: Successful introgression into these ‘closed’ island populations was encouraging and should reduce dengue disease cases. However, this DID NOT impact the Ae. aegypti nuisance biting pressure and therefore might not be a useful tool in areas with low arbovirus transmission.
Surveillance of Fleas and Their Small Mammal Hosts for Plague Risks in Some Main Seaports of the Islands of the Southwestern Indian Ocean.
M. Harimalala et al. Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg., 110(2), 2024, pp. 311–319. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.23-0363.
Abstract. Beginning in the 1920s/1930s, rodent and flea surveillance was carried out as part of plague hazard management in seaports of the world. Nowadays, such activity is not done regularly. In the southwestern Indian Ocean (SWIO) region, plague surveillance is of great importance given plague endemicity in Madagascar and thus the incurred risk for neighboring islands. This study reports animal-based surveillance aimed at identifying fleas and their small mammal hosts in 5 SWIO seaports as well as Yersinia pestis detection: Madagascar (Toamasina and Mahajanga), Mauritius (Port Louis), and the Union of Comoros (Moroni and Mutsamudu). Mammals were euthanized and their fleas collected and morphologically identified before Y. pestis detection. In total, 145 mammals were trapped: the brown rat Rattus norvegicus (76.5%), the black rat Rattus rattus (8.3%), and the Asian house shrew Suncus murinus (15.2%). Fur brushing allowed collection of 1,596 fleas exclusively identified as Xenopsylla cheopis. All tested fleas were negative for Y. pestis DNA. This study shows that both well-known plague mammal hosts and flea vectors occur in SWIO seaports. It also highlights the necessity of carrying out regular animal-based surveillance for plague hazard management in this region.
Note: This study describes a high X. cheopis flea index among mammals collected at SWOI port areas. With increasing global trade from a variety of sources and routes, it would seem MVCAC agencies that include port areas should be aware of this continuing threat to the public health and the importance of the proper use of rodent guards on ship mooring lines.
Don’t Forget – Send Your Legislative Day Thank You Notes ASAP!
MVCAC 2024 Conference Reel
Thank you to Mike Watson for this amazing video!
MVCAC 2024 Yearbook Questionnaire
Please take a moment to provide the MVCAC office with your agency’s information for 2024. Contact the MVCAC office at
(916) 440-0826 with any questions about this form.
This questionnaire is due via e-mail or fax to MVCAC by February 29, 2024. If a questionnaire is not received from your agency by the deadline, the MVCAC office will list your agency’s information from the 2023 Yearbook in the 2024 Yearbook.
2024 Sentinel Chicken Order Forms Available Now!
Chickens are being supplied by Gemperle Family Farms in Turlock, CA
Please return order form by March 1, 2024 Via email or fax to 916-444-7462
Northern and Southern Region
Pick-up date: Mid-April. Specific date, and location TBD (Turlock/Hilmar area)
The address for the farm will be provided as soon as we have it.
Questions: please email or call R’Mani White in Membership at rwhite@amgroup.us or (916) 440-0826 ext 125.
Help Support the 2024 WNV Call Center
The WNV Call Center needs YOUR help meeting their 2024 funding goal!
The West Nile Virus Call Center helps keep California safe from disease outbreaks by allowing the public to report dead birds on their area.
If other agencies are interested in contributing, please email Vicki.Kramer@cdph.ca.gov
Call for Volunteers
Are you attending MVCAC 2024 in Monterey, CA?!?
We are hosting an AMCA YPs booth at the upcoming MVCAC annual meeting in Monterey, CA! To make this event a success, we are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to assist with the YPs booth and various conference logistics. If you are attending, volunteer at our AMCA YPs booth! Connect and engage with your fellow California YP peers and seasoned professionals. If you’re eager to be a part of this dynamic experience, please complete the volunteer form: bit.ly/24MVCAC_YPsBooth
MVCAC Office Closed 12/25-01/01
CalSurv Seeking Examples of Visualizations and Data Summaries
The CalSurv development team is seeking examples of visualizations and data summaries your agency includes in reports. If you’re willing to submit examples of reports that are useful to you, we’ll do our best to incorporate some of the examples in our workshops and resources. Please upload any example reports here.
If you missed our October training on creating your own reports in R using the new VectorSurv API, it’s not too late! You can check out the video on our YouTube channel. To get periodic updates from our team, sign up for our newsletter here.
MVCAC’s Response to Dengue Case in Pasadena
In response to the locally acquired dengue case recently reported in Pasadena, MVCAC drafted a statement to assist with your outreach efforts and if you receive questions from residents and stakeholders.
New Annual Content Calendar Guide
The MVCAC PR Committee developed an annual content calendar to serve as a guide to help California mosquito and vector control districts with their outreach efforts and messaging seasonally. Each season identifies important topics to include in outreach messaging from social media to in-person events and much more. Print this calendar for a quick reference when strategically planning outreach. It is meant to spark creativity while also keeping District communicators proactive!
CA West Nile Virus & Dead Bird Call Center closes for the season on October 13, 2023
This season, the California Department of Public Health received over 5,900 dead bird reports to the CA West Nile Virus & Dead Bird Call Center (1-877-WNV-BIRD) and website. Over 1,700 dead birds were collected for testing, with 773 birds testing positive for West Nile virus (WNV). On October 13, the Call Center will transition to internet-only reporting at https://westnile.ca.gov/. WNV testing is limited in the fall and winter as WNV activity decreases, but dead bird reports are appreciated all year round.
3D Printing Workshop
NOW SOLD OUT*
To be put on a waitlist, please email Rachel Hickerson, rhickerson@amgroup.us
If you want to design and build custom tools for vector control such as dippers and sentinel cages, the latest innovation is 3D printing. Anyone interested in learning about 3D printing should join the workshop on Sunday, January 21, 2024. Start time will be 1PM at Monterey Peninsula College. Topics include:
- Essentials and advanced techniques for 3D printing
- 3D scanning and laser cutting
- Art and science of making prints and resolving issues
- Print your own 3D object
- Bring your questions!
New Grassroots Advocacy Slide Deck
The PR Committee has created a “Mosquito 101” power point presentation that MVCAC members can use to educate policymakers and stakeholders about the intricacies of mosquito control. In addition to meeting with legislators in Sacramento, building relationships at the local level is critical for increasing awareness and fostering collaboration. State legislators are generally in their districts in the fall since the legislative session is over – this is a good time to invite them to tour your district. In addition to the slide deck there is a series of grassroots advocacy materials available on the legislative outreach section on the members-only side of the website.
New Library of Donated Photos for MVCAC Member Agencies
The MVCAC PR Committee has a charge to create a library of mosquito and vector-related photos and videos for MVCAC members to use in their education and outreach efforts to augment in-house capabilities. And here it is! The MVCAC PR Committee has created a library of donated photos for MVCAC members to use in publications, on websites, in advertising and for any other forms of outreach. Districts all over California have graciously donated these photos. Whether you have a large agency with a large outreach department or a smaller agency with employees who wear multiple hats, these pictures are for you copy and use how you see fit.
MVCAC members do not need to list photo credit information when using the photos.