from Sabita Ranabhat

This post is part of a series contributed by the Entomological Society of America Student Affairs Committee. Whether you’re using a poster or giving a talk, the way you communicate can make a significant difference in how your work is perceived. Understanding your audience and presenting your research in a clear, engaging manner is key to making a lasting impact. Scientific posters come with the unique challenge of explaining research concepts in a visually compelling way yet in a limited space. This post provides find essential tips on how to create an effective poster presentation that not only conveys your findings but also leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

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It’s nomination time! Nominations are now open for MVCAC’s Meritorious Service, Honorary Member, and the Service with Distinction Awards.   All nominations must be received in the MVCAC office by October 7th .

Award Criteria: 

• Honorary Membership- for any person who has rendered exceptional, distinguished service in the interest of mosquito or vector control in the state of California 
• Meritorious Service- for any member or nonmember who have made special and significant contributions to the field of mosquito control in the State of California or elsewhere 
• Service with Distinction- may be conferred on those who have made a significant contribution to fulfilling the mission of the Association. They must meet the following criteria: Made exceptional professional or voluntary service in support of the advancement and continued excellence of the Association; have earned national or international distinction for their services in the subject of mosquito and vector control; have made a significant contribution to any local community within the jurisdiction of their agency and focused on mosquito and vector control. 

Honorary and Meritorious Service requires 5 letters from district managers in support of their nomination. Service with Distinction nominations can come from any MVCAC member. 

For all award nominations, a list of the individuals qualifying accomplishments and achievements must also be received with the nomination letter. 

Please submit nominations via email to mvcac@mvcac.org or fax at 916-444-7462 attn: Award Nominations

Please do not hesitate to contact the MVCAC office if you have any questions! 

GROUND-BASED PYRETHROID ADULTICIDES REDUCE MOSQUITOES BUT NOT NONTARGET INSECTS IN CENTRAL FLORIDA. Hart, JD, et al. 2024. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 40(3):125–136, 2024.

ABSTRACT. As stewards of public and environmental health, mosquito control agencies are rightfully concerned about [treatment] impacts on nontarget organisms. This study examined the impact of a modern, pyrethroid based ground adulticide program using ultra-low volume applications in a metropolitan county in central Florida. Nontarget insects and mosquitoes were collected in a before-after control-impact design at 21 sites over 1.5 years. While mosquitoes were reduced, we found no evidence for reduction of nontarget insects, regardless of taxon. Night-flying Lepidoptera may experience greater risk than other nontarget taxa, but overall effects of adulticide missions on this group were low and inconsistent. Instead, meteorology, habitat, and phenology dominate patterns of nontarget abundance. Mosquito reduction was more clearly observed and corrected post-mission reduction was consistent with results expected in complex urban and suburban treatment zones.

Note: Interestingly this paper did not present results for Diptera groups closely related to mosquitoes such as the Chironomidae, but rather focused on larger-bodied groups such as the Calliphoridae. Regardless, the study seemed well-done and should provide useful information to support the application of adulticides.

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Colorado tick fever in the United States, 2013-2022. Fagre A., et al. Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg., 111(3), 2024, pp. 598–602 doi:10.4269/ajtmh.24-0044

Abstract [condensed]. Colorado tick fever (CTF) virus is an arbovirus maintained in an enzootic cycle between Rocky Mountain wood ticks (Dermacentor andersoni) and rodent species in the western United States. Individuals with CTF typically present with symptoms including fever, headache, myalgia, and lethargy, with a biphasic illness frequently occurring. ‘Authors’ reviewed data on CTF cases reported to the national U.S. arboviral disease surveillance system and identified through testing at the CDC to characterize the epidemiology of CTF from 2013–2022. During this period, 148 CTF cases were identified, all likely infected in an endemic area in one of six states (Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, Idaho). These findings substantiate the continued circulation of CTF virus in the western United States, highlighting the importance of implementing approaches to ensure CTF awareness for medical providers and providing education on tick bite prevention strategies for residents and visitors to risk areas.

Note: Although CTF cases have not be reported from California, the authors’ distribution maps show the presence of the principal vector D. andersoni in the Sierra, Tehachapi and northern Coast Ranges.

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A ProMED-mail post http://www.promedmail.org ProMED-mail is a program of the International Society for Infectious Diseases http://www.isid.org Date: Tue 27 Aug 2024

Source: New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services [edited] https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/news-and-media/nh-dhhs-identifies-person-infected-eastern-equine-encephalitis-virus-new-hampshire

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) has identified an adult from Hampstead, New Hampshire who tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) infection, was hospitalized due to severe central nervous system disease, and has passed away due to the illness. DHHS offers our sympathies to the individual’s family and friends.

EEEV is a rare but serious disease transmitted to people by infected mosquitos. The last reported human EEEV infection in New Hampshire was in 2014, when DHHS identified 3 human infections, including 2 fatalities. In addition to the person with EEEV infection announced today [27 Aug 2024], EEEV has been detected in one horse and 7 mosquito batches in New Hampshire so far this summer. EEEV has also been detected in neighboring states, including in Massachusetts (one person, one horse, and 69 mosquito samples) and Vermont (one person and 47 mosquito samples).

Note: This article references a series of postings concerning EEEV activity in the NE USA. Increased EEEV combined with WNV activity has triggered evening curfews and widespread adulticide applications that have made the national news. EEEV in an Alphavirus within the family Togaviridae that is widely distributed east of the Mississippi River and throughout South America. In the eastern USA Culiseta melanura is the principal enzootic vector, with a series of Aedes, Coquillettidia and Culex species serving a bridge vectors. The virus is not found in California, although historically it was isolated from a deceased yearling horse with a travel history that died in San Bernardino during the spring of 2000.

Abstract

Eastern equine encephalitis is a serious disease that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is prevalent on the East Coast and around the Great Lakes and has not been detected in California. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, human eastern equine encephalitis cases occur relatively infrequently, largely because the primary transmission cycle takes place in and around swampy areas where people are less likely to go.

An average of 11 human cases of eastern equine encephalitis are reported in the U.S. each year. As of August 27, 2024, the CDC reported four human cases, in Wisconsin, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Vermont. In addition, officials in New Hampshire have reported one death.

California mosquito control experts are continuously monitoring for disease threats and working to protect public health. West Nile virus is the most prevalent and serious disease transmitted by mosquitoes in California. An important way to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites is to apply insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, including DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535, to clothes and exposed skin when spending time outside.

Download the full statement here

Abstract

OROPOUCHE VIRUS – USA: ex CUBA

A ProMED-mail post http://www.promedmail.org ProMED-mail is a program of the International Society for Infectious Diseases http://www.isid.org

Date: Mon 19 Aug 2024 16:00 CDT Source: Precision Vaccinations [edited] https://www.precisionvaccinations.com/2024/08/19/11-oropouche-fever-cases-diagnosed-florida

[Shortened] Throughout 2024, Cuba has been grappling with an outbreak of Oropouche fever. And now, its western neighbor, the United States, has started to report cases related to travelers from Cuba. The Florida Department of Health (FDH) has recently reported 11 Oropouche fever cases. As of August 10, 2024, these Florida cases had their onset in 2024 and were found in individuals who had traveled toCuba 2 weeks before showing symptoms.

Throughout 2024, more than 8000 Oropouche cases, including 2 deaths and 5 cases of vertical transmission, were reported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [see https://www.cdc.gov/oropouche/about/index.html ].

According to the CDC, approximately 60% of people infected with the Oropouche virus become symptomatic. The incubation period is typically 3-10 days. Although people exposed to biting midges or mosquitoes infected with the virus are most at risk for developing the disease, the risk factors for more severe Oropouche virus are not well-defined. The initial clinical presentation is similar to diseases caused by dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses.

In the United States, healthcare providers should contact local health departments to facilitate diagnostic testing.

Note: See the rest of the ProMed post for additional details and links to other information. Oropouche virus is in the group Orthobunyavirus and is transmitted by Diptera in the family Ceratopogonidae. The reputed primary vector in South America, Culicoides paraensis, is not found in North America, but California has other Ceratopogonidae, including the vector of Blue Tongue virus, Culicoides sonorensis, and the painful biting ‘no-see-um’, Leptoconops torrens. These species have not been tested for vector competence for Oropouche. There have been isolations of this virus from Coquillettidia and Aedes mosquitoes, and there have been reports suggesting that Culex quinquefasciatus are involved in some urban transmission.

Congratulations to Michelle Brown, PHD, District Manager of West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District on accepting the Nominating Committee’s nomination for Vice President for the 2025-2026 year. For information on Michelle’ achievements, please click here.

Additionally, per the MVCAC bylaws, nominations from the floor must be sought. As this wasn’t handled at the Summer meeting, please submit any nominees by August 30th to rhickerson@amgroup.us to be considered on the ballot.

Ballots will be emailed out prior to the Fall board meeting for final vote from districts.

Each year, a trustee representative is elected to sit on the MVCAC Board of Directors. This position is an active part of the board of directors, working with other dedicated trustees in the state to continue providing their voice to the association.

If you are interested in fulfilling this position, please reach out to Wakoli Wekesa, Past President of MVCAC and Nomination Chairperson by August 23, 2024. He will compile a list and have eligible names ready for the ballot by the fall. The position would begin January 1 and conclude December 31st. The trustee representative will be expected to attend all board meetings (both live and virtually) and has a vote in the association. They are also responsible for shaping the Trustee session during the MVCAC Annual Conference.

Wakoli can be reached by email wwekesa@eastsidemosquito.com and by phone 209-522-4098.

TRYPANOSOMIASIS (CHAGAS DISEASE) – USA: (DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA) IMMIGRANTS. A ProMED-mail post. http://www.promedmail.org. Date: Wed 17 Jul 2024

Source: MedPage Today [edited] https://www.medpagetoday.com/cardiology/prevention/111126

Researchers from a Washington, DC center confirmed that there was a high prevalence of Chagas disease in a sample of Latin American immigrants hospitalized with cardiac conditions. Of 97 adults who underwent a transthoracic echocardiogram for cardiac symptoms and immigrated from a Chagas disease-endemic country in Latin America, 16 tested positive for _Trypanosoma cruzi_ infection, reported Ajay Kerai, MD, of MedStar Washington Hospital Center, and colleagues. Note: This is not limited to the East Coast at this report mentions “….a prevalence of 19% in people with an LVEF <40% in Los Angeles.” It is not clear how infectious patients with chronic infections are to susceptible triatome vectors which can be found within California. There have been no reports of secondary cases so far.

Full Paper

Diagnosis and Genomic Characterization of the Largest Western Equine Encephalitis Virus Outbreak in Uruguay During 2023–2024. Tomas, G. et al. 2024, Research Square Preprint.

Abstract [shortened]. The most recent large outbreak of WEEV occurred in the Southern cone of South America from November 2023 to April 2024, affecting many equines and humans in Argentina and Uruguay. The virus affected 1,086 horses and caused 388 deaths in all regions of Uruguay. We obtained genomes from 15 strains using a novel multiplex PCR assay combined with next-generation Illumina sequencing. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that samples from Uruguay and Brazil collected during 2023–2024 and an Argentine strain from 1958 share a common evolutionary origin and are distinct from North American strains. Phylogenetic and epidemiological data on the outbreak suggest that it originated in Argentina and spread to Uruguay and Brazil, likely by movements of infected birds. Genomic analysis also revealed mispairing in real-time PCR primers and probes that may affect official diagnostic protocols, highlighting the need for assay updates. Our research emphasizes the need to map the genetic diversity of WEEV in South America to understand their epidemiology and develop effective control approaches.

Note: Although the WEEV strains isolated here differed from those historically found in North America, the recent introduction of SLEV strains found in California were most similar to historical isolates from Argentina, perhaps indicating a proven path for introduction. Comments concerning RT-PCR diagnosis were similar to minor problems CVEC encountered detecting WNV using the current RT-PCR probes and problems encountered developing the current WEEV probes.

Full Paper

MVCAC has become aware of companies contacting our exhibitors and possibly our members, falsely claiming to be a housing bureau authorized to secure rooms at the Oakland Marriott where the MVCAC Annual Conference will be taking place next year. We want to remind you to book your conference hotel room only through the official MVCAC booking link.

These entities may offer rooms at purportedly discounted rates. Please be aware that these are unauthorized third-party entities without any affiliation with MVCAC or the Oakland Marriott. They have no authority to make reservations on behalf of attendees.

These companies may book rooms for you at fully prepaid rates with no option for cancellation or changes, and they offer no support if issues arise with your reservation. They are essentially poachers of hotel room blocks. 

The only legitimate way to reserve accommodations for any MVCAC event is through the booking link provided directly by us in partnership with the hotel. Reservations made through any other means will not be credited within our block and could potentially put us in an attrition risk.

We are actively monitoring this situation and urge you to inform us if you are contacted by such companies. Unfortunately, there is little recourse against their actions.

Booking through the official MVCAC booking link ensures both you and MVCAC are protected! Find the booking link here.

Duration of Fever in Patients with Dengue: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Gupta, N., et al. Am.J. Trop. Med. Hyg., 111(1), 2024, pp. 5–10. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.23-0542.

Abstract [Shortened]. There is a need to establish the average fever duration with a confidence interval among patients with dengue. Studies up to October 21, 2022 from two databases (PubMed and Embase) were included using the search terms related to dengue and duration of fever. Studies where the average duration of fever was available were included for systematic review. A total of 643 articles were included from the two databases after duplicate deletion. After two rounds of screening, 31 articles (n 57,905) were finally included. The mean duration of fever in the 20 articles included for meta-analysis was 5.1 (95% CI: 4.7–5.5) days. Longer duration of fever was seen in those with a higher grade of fever, those with higher disease severity, and those with concurrent bacterial infections.

Note: The is considerable overlap between the onset of febrile and viremia stages following dengue infection, especially as it relates to infectivity to mosquitoes [see ]. Most likely the onset of fever is the first indication of illness to the patient and may provide a ‘skeletal’ timeline for the 1st recognition of the onset of dengue viremia. As the time window is short, early detection and reporting are important for surveillance to detect infected Aedes and possible secondary infections.

Full Paper

Legislators will be home in their districts from July 4-August 2. This is a great time to schedule a meeting at their district office or invite them to tour your MVCD. On the Leg Day Google site you can find a list of legislators and the collateral materials used for Leg Day in Sacramento. You can also find resources in the Grassroots Advocacy Toolkit which includes a compilation of outreach best practices, a sample tour invite email, a mosquito 101 presentation, and an evergreen story map for you to use when inviting and hosting a legislator at your district. 

It’s that time of year again! Please fill out and email or fax back this year’s MVCAC Fiscal Status Report Form for your district’s MVCAC dues to be calculated.

Dues for Corporate Members are due on July 1st of each year for the fiscal year ending June 30th of the following year. Unpaid dues will be considered late on September 1st. After September 1st, a late notice will be sent which will include a $50 late payment fee. Corporate members that do not pay their dues and late fee by October 31st will be dropped from the membership rolls.

If you are interested in continuing to contribute to the West Nile Virus Call Center and indicate the amount you would like to contribute. That information then will be passed along to Heluyna Health who will provide the billing. MVCAC is only providing them the information and not providing billing services.

Second, as more and more work is being done assisting our International districts, we established a fund to help offset costs if a district member should want to go help with these efforts but may have a district that cannot fully provide monetary support. If you are able to give a little bit into this fund, please note on the dues sheet how much and we will bill you for the amount. This fund is not being budgeted into our annual budget, will only show as a pass through amount and will not be used for any other association costs.

Also, please do note that if you pay your membership dues via credit card, we will then bill you for the credit card fee per MVCAC policy.

Please feel free to contact the office if you have any questions. Thank you for supporting MVCAC. 

Fill Out Form Here

Monday morning,  January 27

Historical and Personal Reflections on Mosquito Ecology and Control

Phil Lounibos, PHD

Bio:

A sixth-generation Californian, Phil Lounibos grew up on a chicken farm in Petaluma. He attended the University of Notre Dame, where he was introduced to mosquito research in the lab of the late George Craig. After a PhD in biology at Harvard University, as a postdoctoral fellow at the Mosquito Biology Unit of the International  Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology, he oversaw the first trials for genetic control of Aedes aegypti on the Kenya coast and performed independent research on other East African container mosquitoes. From 1977-2017, from the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory he conducted in both Florida and South America ecological, behavioral, and physiological studies on a wide range of mosquito species. The ecology of invasive mosquito species, especially Ae. aegypti  and Aedes albopictus, and mechanisms of displacement and segregation, were major themes of his final two decades of research at FMEL, funded by NIH. Lounibos mentored numerous graduate students and postdocs as a faculty member of the University of Florida.

SB 1251 (Stern), sponsored by MVCAC, passed the Senate almost unanimously and now goes on to the Assembly. SB 1251 would allow mosquito control districts to request a plan be filed with utility corporations for the purposes of entering into vector management agreements within 6 months of a request being sent. We will keep you posted on when the bill will be heard next.

Dear MVCAC Members,

The Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC) is excited to announce an open call for nominations for the position of Treasurer. This is a pivotal role within our organization, responsible for overseeing the financial affairs that drive our mission forward.

We are thankful to our long-time Treasurer David I’Anson for his work in the role and wish him well as he heads into other volunteer endeavors.

With that, we are now soliciting nominations for our Treasurer to be sworn-in at the July Board of Directors Meeting.

Per our bylaws, the Treasurer serves as a non-voting member of the Board and holds a term of three years, with the possibility of reappointment for a second term subject to the approval of the Board. As the financial steward of MVCAC, the Treasurer plays a crucial role in maintaining our fiscal health and ensuring compliance with all financial reporting and tax requirements applicable to nonprofit organizations.

The duties and responsibilities of the Treasurer include, but are not limited to:

• Receiving and reviewing monthly financial reports, including investment reports.
• Presenting the financial report at each board meeting.
• Collaborating with staff to develop and present the annual budget.
• Serving as custodian for all MVCAC financial accounts and approving all financial transactions.
• Ensuring compliance with all financial reporting and tax requirements applicable to nonprofit organizations.

To be eligible for nomination, candidates must meet the following qualifications:

• Active membership in MVCAC (required).
• Understanding of financial and tax reporting requirements for nonprofit organizations.

We invite you to nominate yourself or encourage fellow member who possesses the necessary skills, experience, and dedication to serve as MVCAC’s Treasurer. Nominations can be submitted by emailing MVCAC Executive Director Megan MacNee at mmacnee@amgroup.us  no later than May 30^th.  Please include a brief statement outlining the nominee’s qualifications and commitment to the role.

The MVCAC Nomination’s Committee will review the nomination and make a recommendation to the board in July.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement in advancing the mission of MVCAC. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in mosquito and vector control efforts across California.

Simmons CP, Donald W, Tagavi L, Tarivonda L, Quai T, Tavoa R, et al. (2024)Successful introgression of wMel Wolbachia into Aedes aegypti populations in Fiji, Vanuatu and Kiribati. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 18(3): e0012022. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012022

Abstract. Introgression of the intracellular bacterium Wolbachia pipientis (wMel strain) into Ae. aegypti populations reduces their vector competence and consequently lowers dengue incidence in the human population. Here we describe successful area-wide deployments of wMel-infected Ae. aegypti in Suva, Lautoka, Nadi (Fiji), Port Vila (Vanuatu) and South Tarawa (Kiribati). With community support, weekly releases of wMel-infected Ae. aegypti mosquitoes for between 2 to 5 months resulted in wMel introgression in nearly all locations. Long term monitoring confirmed a high, self-sustaining prevalence of wMel infecting mosquitoes in almost all deployment areas. Measurement of public health outcomes were disrupted by the Covid19 pandemic but are expected to emerge in the coming years.

Note: Successful introgression into these ‘closed’ island populations was encouraging and should reduce dengue disease cases. However, this DID NOT impact the Ae. aegypti nuisance biting pressure and therefore might not be a useful tool in areas with low arbovirus transmission.

Click Here for Full Abstract

M. Harimalala et al. Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg., 110(2), 2024, pp. 311–319. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.23-0363.

Abstract. Beginning in the 1920s/1930s, rodent and flea surveillance was carried out as part of plague hazard management in seaports of the world. Nowadays, such activity is not done regularly. In the southwestern Indian Ocean (SWIO) region, plague surveillance is of great importance given plague endemicity in Madagascar and thus the incurred risk for neighboring islands. This study reports animal-based surveillance aimed at identifying fleas and their small mammal hosts in 5 SWIO seaports as well as Yersinia pestis detection: Madagascar (Toamasina and Mahajanga), Mauritius (Port Louis), and the Union of Comoros (Moroni and Mutsamudu). Mammals were euthanized and their fleas collected and morphologically identified before Y. pestis detection. In total, 145 mammals were trapped: the brown rat Rattus norvegicus (76.5%), the black rat Rattus rattus (8.3%), and the Asian house shrew Suncus murinus (15.2%). Fur brushing allowed collection of 1,596 fleas exclusively identified as Xenopsylla cheopis. All tested fleas were negative for Y. pestis DNA. This study shows that both well-known plague mammal hosts and flea vectors occur in SWIO seaports. It also highlights the necessity of carrying out regular animal-based surveillance for plague hazard management in this region.

Note: This study describes a high X. cheopis flea index among mammals collected at SWOI port areas. With increasing global trade from a variety of sources and routes, it would seem MVCAC agencies that include port areas should be aware of this continuing threat to the public health and the importance of the proper use of rodent guards on ship mooring lines.

Thank you to Mike Watson for this amazing video!

Please take a moment to provide the MVCAC office with your agency’s information for 2024. Contact the MVCAC office at
(916) 440-0826 with any questions about this form.

This questionnaire is due via e-mail or fax to MVCAC by February 29, 2024. If a questionnaire is not received from your agency by the deadline, the MVCAC office will list your agency’s information from the 2023 Yearbook in the 2024 Yearbook.

View the form