The City of Greenbelt is part of the Pilot Adult Mosquito Surveillance Program

CDC Definition of West Nile:
West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States.  It is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV do not feel sick. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness. You can reduce your risk of WNV by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites.

Background on the Pilot Adult Mosquito Surveillance Program
At the September 25, 2017, Council met and discussed the possibility of entering into the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Adult Mosquito Surveillance Program. At the time three neighboring municipalities had mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus. Since this is a public health issue the council voted in favor of applying to MDA Adult Mosquito Surveillance Program waiting list.

This decision carried a four part motion:

1. Public education – We have placed downloadable easy to read information on the City web site entitled “Protecting Your Home Against Mosquitoes”, “Tips to Rid Your Community of Mosquito Breeding Sites”, and “West Nile Prevention”. We have handed out informational brochures and informational coloring books in English and Spanish at public events throughout the year.

2. Contacted MDA and got on the waiting list in October of 2017. The status now has changed to active in the program, as voted by City Council.

3. Referral to Green ACES

4. Cost– The estimated cost is around $3,000 - $5,000. 

Currently
Greenbelt is part of the Pilot Adult Mosquito Surveillance Program. This pilot program consists of three traps, monitoring mosquitos, and testing for West Nile Virus on a two week cycle. Trapping begins the week of May 27th and ends the week of Sept 16th. The pilot program only sprays if a there is a positive test for West Nile Virus. MDA sprays a ¾ mile radius around any positive test area with no exceptions. This program was requested by Public Works, it is not a program being utilized anywhere else in the state. 

Testing the adult mosquito for West Nile virus, Zika and several other mosquito-borne diseases is very important. These diseases are endemic in Maryland and are transmitted through the bite of a mosquito. 

The Maryland Department of Agriculture's Mosquito Control Office, in cooperation with the Department of Health, routinely conducts surveillance activities throughout the state to collect and test mosquitoes for West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and several other mosquito-borne diseases. These diseases are endemic in Maryland and are transmitted through the bite of a mosquito. Approximately 20 percent of people infected with West Nile virus will develop West Nile fever, which is typically characterized by fever, headache, and body aches which can last for just a few days or as long as several weeks. Less than one percent of people bitten by a mosquito carrying West Nile virus will develop a more severe form of the disease. People most at risk for developing severe disease are those over 50 and those with already compromised immune systems.

While not all mosquitoes carry these diseases, the Maryland Department of Agriculture suggests that residents take precautions to minimize their exposure to mosquito bites. These measures include:

• Wear long, loose fitting, light colored clothing
• Wear insect repellents according to product labels
• Avoid mosquito infested areas during prime periods of activity (between dusk and dawn)
• Install, inspect, and repair window and door screens in homes and stables
• Regularly clean bird baths and bowls for pet food and water
• Remove or empty all water-holding containers

Currently there is no WNV vaccine for humans. There are, however, effective vaccines for horses, ostriches and emus - also known as ratites. Owners are encouraged to get their animals vaccinated and boostered in a timely manner in consultation with their veterinarian.

Dog owners are also urged to have their pets checked for heartworms, the most common disease transmitted by mosquitoes in Maryland. Dogs in all Maryland jurisdictions should be placed on a heartworm preventive program. Pet owners should consult with their veterinarians.

For more information about mosquito-borne diseases, contact your local health department. The following websites are available to provide additional information:

• Maryland Department of Agriculture
• Maryland Department of Health
• Maryland Department of Natural Resources
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Follow Maryland Department of Agriculture Mosquito Control on Twitter @MdAgMosquito.