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DISASTER PREPAREDNESS FACT SHEETS
Effective Mosquito Management; Everyone Plays a Part
The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) completed its investigation into the six additional dengue cases, which were confirmed on September 21, 2019. The DPHSS Medical Surveillance Team, through its investigation, confirmed that five of the six are locally acquired cases. This means the five affected individuals had no history of recent travel. The sixth case was imported, which means the affected individual may have acquired the dengue virus through travel outside of Guam.
To date, the Guam Public Health lab has confirmed sevencases of locally-acquired dengue infection. The confirmed cases involve individuals that reside in the villages of Mangilao, Chalan Pago, Yigo, Dededo, Harmon, and Toto. No new confirmed cases were reported today.
“Due to the time it takes from being bitten by an infected mosquito to exhibiting symptoms five to seven days later, these most recent positive cases likely represent infections that occurred before or soon after Guam DPHSS detected the first case and mounted its response,” U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Medical Epidemiologist Dr. Thane Hancock said.
Multiple Methods
DPHSS is using a combination of methods to prevent and control mosquitoes that spread mosquito-borne viruses. Efforts are being taken to control mosquitoes based on an understanding of mosquito biology, mosquito life cycle, and the way mosquitoes spread viruses to develop plans for controlling mosquitoes. These efforts include the proper use of insecticides, tempered with the understanding that mosquitoes can develop resistance to the overuse of insecticides. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, integrated mosquito management uses methods that, when followed correctly, are safe and have been scientifically proven to reduce mosquito populations.
While insecticide spraying is done initially, in accordance with the plan, it is only a temporary solution. Without removing breeding sites, mosquitoes can return. Insecticide spraying can also be ineffective if over used.
School Information and Outreach
Earlier today it was announced that classes will be canceled at Ordot Chalan Pago Elementary School, Agueda Johnston Middle School, and Harvest Christian Academy on Monday, September 23, 2019.
GDOE will be hosting an informational briefing for all interested parents and employees, including interested parents and employees from Harvest Christian Academy, on Monday, September 23, 2019, at 6 p.m. at the GDOE Headquarters in Tiyan, Building B in the first floor conference room.The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) completed its investigation into the six additional dengue cases, which were confirmed on September 21, 2019. The DPHSS Medical Surveillance Team, through its investigation, confirmed that five of the six are locally acquired cases. This means the five affected individuals had no history of recent travel. The sixth case was imported, which means the affected individual may have acquired the dengue virus through travel outside of Guam.
To date, the Guam Public Health lab has confirmed sevencases of locally-acquired dengue infection. The confirmed cases involve individuals that reside in the villages of Mangilao, Chalan Pago, Yigo, Dededo, Harmon, and Toto. No new confirmed cases were reported today.
“Due to the time it takes from being bitten by an infected mosquito to exhibiting symptoms five to seven days later, these most recent positive cases likely represent infections that occurred before or soon after Guam DPHSS detected the first case and mounted its response,” U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Medical Epidemiologist Dr. Thane Hancock said.
Multiple Methods
DPHSS is using a combination of methods to prevent and control mosquitoes that spread mosquito-borne viruses. Efforts are being taken to control mosquitoes based on an understanding of mosquito biology, mosquito life cycle, and the way mosquitoes spread viruses to develop plans for controlling mosquitoes. These efforts include the proper use of insecticides, tempered with the understanding that mosquitoes can develop resistance to the overuse of insecticides. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, integrated mosquito management uses methods that, when followed correctly, are safe and have been scientifically proven to reduce mosquito populations.
While insecticide spraying is done initially, in accordance with the plan, it is only a temporary solution. Without removing breeding sites, mosquitoes can return. Insecticide spraying can also be ineffective if over used.
School Information and Outreach
Earlier today it was announced that classes will be canceled at Ordot Chalan Pago Elementary School, Agueda Johnston Middle School, and Harvest Christian Academy on Monday, September 23, 2019.
Additionally, DPHSS is disseminating informational letters to all Catholic schools, private schools, charter schools, and DODEA schools with information for parents and staff regarding the dengue virus.
More information on mosquitoes
To better inform the public about ongoing mosquito surveillance efforts, media were invited to tour the Guam Environmental Public Health Laboratory (Mosquito Lab) in Dededo. To view the tour in its entirety, visit KUAM’s facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kuamnews/videos/2385842021470870/
For more information, visit https://ghs.guam.gov/,or contact the Joint Information Center Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (671) 478-0208/09/10. If there is an emergency, dial 911.
