Hurricane Response Guide for Environmental Public Health Professionals
Provide Vector Surveillance and Control Aligns to EPHEPR Function 10
Hurricanes can create ideal conditions for disease carrying vectors to thrive. This significantly increases the risk of vector-borne diseases in affected areas. The aftermath of a hurricane often leaves behind standing water, debris, and disrupted ecosystems, which can lead to explosive growth in populations of mosquitoes, rodents, and other vectors. Key hurricane-related challenges for vector surveillance and control include: 1. Widespread creation of new breeding sites for mosquitoes in floodwaters and debris 2. Displacement of rodents and other animals into human-populated areas 3. Disruption of normal vector control programs due to infrastructure damage 4. Increased human exposure to vectors in emergency shelters and during cleanup activities 5. Potential for introduction of new vector species or diseases into affected areas 6. Challenges in implementing control measures in flooded or debris-filled environments 7. Heightened public concern about vector-borne diseases following a disaster Tasks Conduct assessments of insect, animal, and rodent vectors to include population densities, infectivity rates, and human risk potential. Lead or support surveillance, mitigation, and control of insect and animal vectors. Develop an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy combining source reduction, biological control, and targeted chemical control. Develop and disseminate educational materials on vector-borne disease risks, personal protection measures, and eliminating breeding sites. Coordinate with relevant agencies for a unified vector control response. Utilize existing materials, plans, and systems that can be modified to fit your needs. Identify and pursue appropriate Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance for mosquito control activities. Coordinate with appropriate agencies to ensure availability of licensed public health pesticide applicators. Establish a data management system to record and evaluate vector surveillance and control activities. Train local health workers, vector control personnel, and community members on surveillance techniques, control methods, and personal protection measures. Assess potential vector breeding sites and population levels a week after the hurricane, surveying areas with standing water, debris accumulation, and damaged infrastructure. Implement a mosquito surveillance program using adult trapping, larval dipping, and oviposition trapping. Apply larvicides to standing water and conduct targeted adulticide applications based on surveillance data, following safety protocols. Implement rodent control measures, including trapping, baiting, and environmental management. Ensure safe and proper use of pesticides, adhering to label instructions, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and regulations. Continuously monitor vector populations and disease incidence, adapting the control strategy as needed based on trends, conditions, and effectiveness. Identify potential risks associated with vector control activities and implement mitigation measures. Communicate vector-borne disease health risks and actions that the public can take to reduce vector populations and prevent disease transmission.
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