GLACVCD Buzzword Newsletter
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New Resident Satisfaction Survey
GLACVCD Staff Update
Upcoming Events
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 August 2012

With summer in full swing and temperatures on the rise, officials at GLACVCD focus on combating both West Nile virus activity and the invasive Asian tiger mosquito.

 

West Nile Virus

 

Residents should take increased precautionary measures during times of extreme heat in guarding against the West Nile virus (WNV), particularly because higher temperatures accelerate the development of mosquitoes and also allow the virus to replicate faster within the infected mosquito. In the summer, the mosquito life cycle can be completed in as few as five days. That means mosquito eggs can develop into biting and flying adults in less than a week. Weather, mosquito populations, and the presence of West Nile virus in the ecosystem are all factors that impact when and where outbreaks occur.

 

In the United States, most cases of WNV occur between June and September, and peak in August, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To date for 2012, 47 states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes.  

 

GLACVCD has identified a total of 78 WNV-positive mosquito pools thus far in 2012, as well as 18 WNV-positive dead birds, and two WNV-positive sentinel chickens within its jurisdiction.

 

Statewide, a total of 1,596 mosquito pools, 855 dead birds, and 168 sentinel chickens have been identified as positive for West Nile virus. In addition, 41 human cases of West

Nile virus have been reported throughout California this year.

 

Increased West Nile virus cases throughout California and across the U.S. are stark reminders that the disease continues to be a public health problem. Residents are encouraged to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and eliminate standing water around property to prevent mosquito breeding.

 

Asian Tiger Mosquito 

 

GLACVCD continues to work towards eradication of the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). At present, this dangerous species of mosquito has been confined to the San Gabriel Valley, specifically the cities of El Monte and South El Monte; however, GLACVCD officials urge residents throughout LA County to report any suspected sightings of this black and white striped, day-biting mosquito.

 

This particular species of mosquito is especially dangerous because it is responsible for outbreaks of dengue in south Florida, Texas, and Hawaii. The Asian tiger mosquito is also known to transmit chikungunya, other encephalitis viruses, and canine heartworm.

 

Being that the Asian tiger mosquito poses a significant threat to community safety, the District has taken concerted measures to raise public awareness about this dangerous invader locally, including placement of advertisements on 50 metro buses throughout the County, and dedicating field crews to making door-to-door contact with residents regarding GLACVCD's surveillance and control campaign.

 

To maximize the impact of the District's mosquito abatement initiatives, GLACVCD also took on additional part-time summer support staff to assist with these important community health and safety efforts.

 

New Resident Satisfaction Survey To Provide Valuable Feedback from District Residents

 

GLACVCD recently added a survey feature on its website soliciting feedback from residents who receive services from the District.

 

Survey responses will enable the District to analyze resident input for service and process improvements. "The District is committed to providing our residents with effective and responsive vector control, and we value all feedback we receive from residents," said Ken Bayless, GLACVCD district manager.  "We hope that residents find this tool easy to use and hope it will encourage community members to provide us input on how well we're doing to meet their expectations."

 

The survey can be accessed at: http://glacvcd.org/Contact/Resident-Satisfaction-Survey.aspx

GLACVCD Staff Update

The District welcomes Cynthia Miller as our new public information officer. Cynthia comes with 17 years of community outreach, media relations, and public affairs experience. Cynthia began her career when she commissioned into the United States Air Force as a public affairs officer in 1995. She recently worked for the California Environmental Protection Agency, managing public participation for environmental cleanup projects throughout Southern California.

 

Cynthia comes to us directly from Southern California Edison, where she managed media relations, community education, and visitor affairs for SCE's Smart Energy Experience - an exhibit that showcases the technological advancements that utilities are making, and enabling, with smart metering.

 

Cynthia grew up in Hawaii and earned a Bachelor's in journalism, and a minor degree in political science from the University of Hawaii, Manoa. Cynthia has resided in Southern California since 2000.

 

Cynthia looks forward to working with the GLACVCD team to increase public awareness about the District's mission to effectively and responsively provide vector control and promote community health.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS
Come visit our booth at these community events:

September

 

Steinmetz Park Senior Center Health Fair 2012

Date: Thursday, September 20

Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Steinmetz Park Senior Center

1545 S. Stimson Avenue

Hacienda Heights, CA 91745

 

11th Annual Community Safety and Smart Fair

Date: Saturday, September 22

Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Paramount Park

14400 Paramount Blvd.

Paramount, CA

 

Tire Recycling Event - We Love Old Bald Guys

Date: Saturday, September 29

Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Westfield Valencia Town Center

Corner of Magic Mountain Pkwy and Citrus Street

Santa Clarita, CA 91355

Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District

Headquarters

12545 Florence Avenue

Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670

Phone: (562) 944-9656District Logo

 

Sylmar Branch   

16320 Foothill Boulevard

Sylmar, CA 91342   

Phone: (818) 364-9589

 

[email protected]       

www.glacvcd.org