Download West Nile Virus Disease Outbreak  Investigation: Maricopa County, AZ  Jessica Mack  Master’s of Public Health Special Project 

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
PHC 6601 SEMINAR IN CONTEMPORARY PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES PUBLIC HEALTH DAY West Nile Virus Disease Outbreak Investigation: Maricopa County, AZ Master’s of Public Health Special Project Jessica Mack DVM(c), MPH(c) 2011 12/3/2010 Abstract Since its introduction into the western hemisphere in 1999, West Nile virus (WNV), a mosquito‐
transmitted Flavivirus, has spread throughout North America, Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean. A June ‐ August 2010 focal outbreak of West Nile virus‐related illness in the East Valley area of Maricopa County, Arizona was investigated through the EpiAid program sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and a case‐control study for risk factors for WNV infection was performed. During the investigation, valuable research experience was gained in development of case‐control study questionnaire and assessment tools, standard protocol for interviewing case and control individuals, and performance of household assessments for risk and preventative factors for WNV. Although much of the data analysis and results are pending, important regional variations in irrigation methods, outdoor activities, air conditioning use, and mosquito bite prevention strategies were elucidated through the overall investigation and case‐control study. Mosquito surveillance and analysis supports a focal epidemic of WNV driven by the Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito vector. Implications of the investigation and case‐control study include advancement of knowledge regarding regional variation in transmission epidemiology, development of specific local or regional public health messages for prevention of infection, and revised strategies for mosquito abatement efforts. The skills and knowledge gained through participation in this investigation integrated the environmental health, epidemiology, risk communication, and survey methods training the intern received through the MPH curriculum with the competencies concurrently developed in the veterinary medical program. This project exemplified the “One Health” concept since public health professionals, vector control officers, scientists, and medical and veterinary doctors coordinated their efforts to control a significant infectious disease outbreak and implement targeted strategies that will hopefully prevent further WNV outbreaks in the region.