NHCCC 'Fights the Bite' to Help Prevent Mosquito-borne Illnesses

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (NNS) -- Public Health Services (PHS) at Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi (NHCCC) Aug. 7, described on-base monitoring of West Nile virus (WNV) and recommendations for reducing mosquito bites.

"Our 'Fight the Bite' approach to the prevention of mosquito-borne illnesses begins with a vigilant surveillance program conducted by our staff in Preventive Medicine (PREVMED). This basic surveillance consists of trapping mosquitoes around the base in order to identify the number, species, and gender of the local mosquito population," said Dr. M. Rony Francois, NHCCC director, PHS and public health emergency officer.

Although the Texas Department of State Health Services reports a higher than usual number of human West Nile virus cases in Texas this year due to the warm winter and recent rains, PREVMED is proactively performing year-round inspections on-base.

"Mosquito surveillance serves as a sentinel for human disease, because if you are finding West Nile virus in the mosquito population during trapping, guess what, it's just a matter of time before it shows up in humans," added Francois.

PREVMED maintains traps located throughout family housing and at the nearby Childhood Development Center, and one of its representatives described the process.

"We've had a lot of complaints about mosquitoes this summer because they like the humidity and the heat," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class (FMF) Taylor Boynton, while he mixed a batch of stagnant pond water with grass and dried rabbit food.

After pouring the mixture into rubberized tubs outfitted with fan-powered traps, mosquitoes attracted to their new environment are captured when they are sucked up into the net covering.

When summer began in June, on-base residents had to contend with swarms of mosquitoes.

"I think our high point was 76 mosquitoes in one trap about a month ago," said Boynton. "When we find 20 mosquitoes in a trap that is extremely high."

After the insects are trapped and collected, Boynton says that a brief stint in the freezer immobilizes them for further study under the microscope. The team then sorts out all of the males and gathers the females for supplementary analysis by the veterinarian.

"Our team works closely with Army Capt. Crystal Lindaberry, officer in charge, Naval Air Station Corpus Christi Veterinary Services. She facilitates the provision of additional testing on appropriate specimens in San Antonio," said Francois.

"The other important aspect of our preventive strategy is to educate every family about useful precautions that help to reduce the risk of mosquito bites," he added.

When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient. Follow the directions on the package.

Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.

Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. And keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they are not in use.

"Currently, the mainstay of treatment for West Nile virus infection is supportive. Therefore, the preventive activities remain the essential elements of our strategy for reducing morbidity and mortality from this disease," said Francois.


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