Kalamazoo County mosquito surveillance aims to catch disease-carrying insects
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Kalamazoo County is all a-buzz as local health officials plan to set up and monitor mosquito traps in the midst of mosquito season.
These traps look to catch and identify mosquitos known to spread the Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE, virus and the West Nile virus, according to Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department.
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“Mosquito trapping and testing is critical work that must be done to provide Kalamazoo County residents with early detection of vector-borne diseases, as well as information on steps they can take to protect themselves this summer,” Environmental Health Manager Lucus Pols said.
As of Thursday, there has been no evidence of any disease-carrying mosquitoes within the county, according to the county health department.
Surveillance efforts also look to integrate the migration pattern of Zika-carrying mosquitoes through southern Michigan, health officials said.
Mosquito monitoring is slated to be conducted through September.
Kalamazoo County residents are encouraged to protect themselves from mosquito bites and illnesses mosquitos can cause by doing the following actions:
- Empty and wash all outdoor containers that collect water (small pools, feeding bowls, open rain collection barrels, buckets, birdbaths, etc.) at least once a week.
- Maintain properly treated swimming pools to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
- Keep trash containers properly covered.
- Use and repair screens on home windows.
- Wear tall socks, pants, and long sleeves outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn.
- Use insect repellent with DEET registered by the EPA on the skin and treat clothing with permethrin to repel biting insects. Always follow label directions.
More information about Kalamazoo County mosquito surveillance can be found online or by calling 269-373-5210.
