Recorded presentation

Jacquelyn A. Hakim, MS, MPH¹, Adenike Bitto, MD, DrPH, MPH, CHES², Michael F. Pula, BS³, and Judy Cherepko, BS³. (1) Director, Monroe County Vector Control, 38 North 7th Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360, (2) ESU, P.O. Box 155, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301, (570)422-3375, abitto@po-box.esu.edu, (3) Monroe County Vector Control, 38 N. 7th Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360

In the aftermath of the 1999 initiation of West Nile virus into the Western Hemisphere, mosquito surveillance and control became high priority in public health programs. When mosquitoes of the genus Culex were identified as the principal vectors of WNV, the focus of many programs switched to artificial container mosquito control, and specifically to sewage (wastewater) treatment plants. Monroe County, PA, has 50 sewage treatment plants, ranging from those serving small developments to large municipal plants. In 2003, all plants were surveyed for mosquito breeding. Those that were breeding mosquitoes were given information on methods to reduce or eliminate the deposition of Culex egg rafts and Ochlerotatus japonicus eggs, and treatment options. Those that were in compliance with good mosquito management techniques were praised for their work, and given tips on how to maintain their good status. Data will be presented on our surveys, methods to prevent Culex egg deposition in sewage treatment plants, and educational strategies to use when approaching plant operators.

Learning Objectives: