If you have any questions regarding this program please

contact Fort Buchanan Directorate of Public Works

Environmental Division at (787) 707-3508/3575

Introduction: The Directorate of Public Works Environmental Division

oversees the Installation Integrated Pest Management Program. This

program in collaboration with Army Public Health Command through the

Rodriguez Army Health Clinic, implement the vector control program

directed toward controlling mosquito-borne viral disease such as Dengue

Fever Chikungunya and Zika. Both viruses are transmitted by infected

mosquito bites from both the Aedes aegypti (Fig. I) and Aedes albopictus

(Fig. II).

Prevention of Transmission: There is no vaccine or medication to prevent

Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika virus infection or disease. Encourage the

following measures to reduce the risk of human-vector contact:

1. Use air conditioning or window/door screens.

2. Use mosquito repellent with DEET or picaridin active ingredient on

exposed skin on exposed skin. These active ingredients are registered

by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). These products

are safe to use and effectively repel mosquitoes, sand flies, fleas, ticks

and other potential disease vectors and pests.

3. When feasible wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

4. When outdoors wear permethrin-treated clothing.

5. Empty standing water from outdoor containers.

People infected with the viruses should be protected from further mosquito

exposure during the first week of illness to reduce the risk of further

transmission.

Chikungunya: Is a mosquito-borne viral disease characterized by acute

onset of fever and severe joint pain, muscle pain and headaches. The

symptoms appear on average 3 to 7 days (but can range from 2 to 12 days)

after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Outbreaks have occurred in

countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In late

2013, first local transmission in the Americas was reported on islands

in the Caribbean.

Fig I. Aedes aegypti Fig II. Aedes albopictus

Fig VI. BG Sentinel Trap used to monitor

adult mosquito populations.

Fig VII. Example of Ultra-Low Volume fogging used in Fort Buchanan to control

adult mosquito population. The frequency of this application is performed based

on the assessment of the Army Public Health Command through the Rodriguez

Army Health Clinic. Currently is being performed on a weekly basis.

Fort Buchanan Mosquito Vector Control Program

Surveillance:

1. Use of BG-Sentinel Traps to capture and monitor adult mosquito

population (Fig. VI ).

2. Mosquito breeding areas surveillance program is implemented. To

determine distribution and breeding areas producing Aedes aegypti and

Aedes albopictus.

3. Communication with federal and state health department has been

developed to share epidemiological and ecological data.

Source Reduction:

1. Reduce mosquito densities by removing larval habitats.

2. Remove discarded, unused, and unmaintained containers through

community involvement programs or by vector control personnel, since

containers are ideal larval habitats.

Larval Control:

1. When source reduction is not feasible, we apply biological larvae control

to mosquito larval habitats.

Adult Mosquito Control:

1. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are most active during the day and

are effectively controlled by standard ultra-low volume pesticide

applications during the early morning or evenings.

The most effective way to control mosquitoes is by eliminating potential breeding

areas.

1. Ensure that garbage cans and other receptacles have tight fitting lids to prevent

accumulation of rainwater.

2. Remove standing water that may accumulate on the property (e.g., lawn ornaments,

flower pots, etc.).

3. Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, or any other items that can hold water. Pay

particular attention to old tires (Fig. III, IV &V)

4. Empty and refresh pet water dishes, watering troughs and birdbaths at least once a

week.

5. If you have a swimming pool or spa, keep it chlorinated. If not in use, cover. Make

sure that water does not collect on the cover.

6. Clean debris from rain gutters, and remove any standing water under or around

structures or on flat roofs.

Dengue: Usually starts suddenly with a high fever, rash, severe headache,

pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain. Nausea, vomiting, and loss of

appetite are also common. A rash usually appears 3 to 4 days after the start

of the fever. The illness can last up to 10 days, but complete recovery can

take as long as a month. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a severe, often

fatal, complication of dengue.

Mosquito Life Cycle

Eggs Larva

Adult

Pupae

Fig III. Five gallon container with potential

of becoming mosquito breeding area.

Fig IV. Old tire are common mosquito

breeding area.

Adult

Fig. V Planting pot filled with water are

also common breeding area.Zika: Although most infections do not cause symptoms and do not require

treatment, Zika infection may cause birth defects in pregnant women. Zika

spread to the Western Hemisphere in 2015 and is estimated to have

affected more than a million people in South and Central America, Mexico,

and the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Recent

evidence suggests that Zika virus can also be spread through sexual

activity, blood transfusion and from mother to fetus during pregnancy.

Common symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes, muscle

pain, headache, pain behind the eyes.