Telephonic Survey of Surveillance and Control Procedures for the Mosquito Vectors of West Nile Virus Near Naval Installations in the Eastern United States

Abstract

Surveillance and control procedures for the mosquito vectors of West Nile virus (WNV) and other arboviruses are described in response plans that vary among states. To ensure that naval installations in the eastern United States follow WNV response plan criteria similar to those of their host states, we conducted a telephone survey of 25 personnel who directed surveillance and control procedures in areas near these installations. For adult mosquito surveillance, 76% of respondents used Centers for Disease Control and Prevention miniature light traps baited with dry ice; 68% of respondents used these and baited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gravid traps. We report a summary of the mosquito species that were most problematic among states. In the eastern United States, these species have tested positive for WNV and some have been reported as potential vectors of WNV and other arboviruses. Among respondents, numerical thresholds or the presence of WNV-positive mosquito pools facilitated decision-making (i.e., whether to increase surveillance or to initiate control procedures). The presence of mosquito larvae, abiotic variables, and historical databases were also important. Reports of dead birds and human serology data were used by 92% and 64% of respondents, respectively. Adult control was accomplished with synthetic pyrethroids; larvae were controlled with microbial insecticides and growth regulators. Geographic information systems and public awareness/education were used by 60% and 88% of respondents, respectively. We discuss our results in light of response plan variability and implications for the future.