Dengue in our Backyard: Insights and Innovations from 2024
Presented by Jason Farned at the 93rd Annual Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC) Conference in Oakland, CA.
Abstract:
In 2024, the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (SGVMVCD) confronted a significant public health challenge with a surge in locally acquired dengue cases in Baldwin Park and El Monte. By October 15, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health had confirmed eight cases, highlighting the increasing threat of dengue transmission and the urgent need for rapid, coordinated intervention.
SGVMVCD responded by activating its Enhanced Neighborhood Support (ENS) strategy, a comprehensive framework aligned with dengue response recommendations from the California Department of Public Health. This approach is designed to address potential mosquito-borne disease threats through enhanced surveillance, mosquito control, and public outreach, ensuring a rapid and effective response to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission. ENS efforts included sustained mosquito trapping and testing, door-to-door property inspections, truck-mounted pesticide treatments, and targeted public education. To ensure complete coverage, the District utilized inspection warrants to access properties where residents were unresponsive or denied entry, addressing potential breeding sources across the affected areas.
This presentation will explore the operational challenges and key insights gained from the 2024 dengue response. Attendees will learn how the ENS strategy integrates collaborative partnerships, public engagement, and flexible operating procedures to manage mosquito-borne diseases effectively. As local dengue transmission becomes a more frequent reality, this talk offers actionable strategies for outbreak investigation, control, and long-term public health management.
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