Public Health: West Nile Virus Surveillance Project

{Tarrant County Public Health - Safeguarding Our Community}

Disease Control and Prevention

West Nile Virus Surveillance Project

Overview

In 2003, Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) received a $15,000 grant from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) (TDH) to increase local surveillance of mosquitoes with West Nile virus (WNV). Instead of using the funds to purchase material specifically for Tarrant County's use, it was agreed that a co-operative project involving cities and others could result in a comprehensive mosquito surveillance project that would exceed all previous individual efforts by cities and the county. County municipalities and DFW Airport were contacted and many immediately committed staff time to the project. Mosquito traps and equipment were purchased, at no charge, for all participants (28 municipalities). Training and support was also provided to all participants. Mosquito collection and testing began in mid-May, 2003. During the first five weeks of operation, WNV was detected in four mosquito samples, and timely responses were initiated by the city which collected the samples (Fort Worth). By October 2003, we had a much better understanding of the presence of WNV in Tarrant County mosquitoes and were able to make informed decisions regarding future actions needed to address WNV.

Participation in the Mosquito Surveillance Program has grown since 2003 and the program continues to provide timely information about West Nile virus in Tarrant County.

A significant innovation in testing mosquitoes for WNV and St. Louis Encephalitis was proposed by the TCPH Laboratory. Real Time RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a DNA analysis technique. By using DNA analysis, significant time can be saved in the interval between collecting mosquitoes and receiving results. The use of this technology allows us to have an "early warning system" and take appropriate actions in a timely manner. Use of RT-PCR technology is being provided to the 2003 Mosquito Surveillance Project participants at no charge.

Residents can protect themselves by learning more about West Nile virus and by practicing the Four "D's."

Dusk and dawn are the times of day you should try to stay indoors. This is when infected mosquitoes are most active.
Dress in long sleeves and pants when you're outside. For extra protection, you may want to spray thin clothing with repellent.
DEET is an ingredient to look for in your insect repellent. Follow label instructions, and always wear repellant when outdoors.
Drain standing water in your yard and neighborhood where mosquitoes can breed. This includes old tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, etc. Mosquitoes may develop in any water stagnant for more than three or four days.

{Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.}

Any standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Content Last Modified on 11/3/2008 1:52:42 PM

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