The Johnson County Public Health Environmental Health Division conducts mosquito surveillance activities annually between May and September. This program seeks to monitor and identify mosquito species which may be a threat to public health.
Since 2017 JCPH has been partnering with Iowa State University, the State Hygienic Laboratory and the State of Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. Mosquito traps are located throughout the county and are checked multiple times weekly by JCPH environmental health specialists. Mosquitos collected are sent off to Iowa State University for species identification. After identification samples will be tested for the presence of West Nile and Zika Virus.
One goal of the mosquito surveillance program is to monitor for the presence of Aedes Albopictus, a species of mosquito known to be a vector for the Zika virus. Through previous surveillance efforts from 2016 to 2020, populations of Ae. Albopictus had been identified in 3 Iowa counties. However in 2022 Ae. Albopictus was identified in 4 additional counties, including Johnson County for the first time.
Active surveillance and testing helps determine if a mosquito species that carries the virus reach or are found Johnson County. The monitoring program serves as an early warning system and provides data for state and nationwide surveillance efforts.
Ways to prevent mosquito bites include:
- Wear insect repellent
- Wear light colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants
- Eliminate standing water where mosquitos could breed
Johnson County Public Health is pleased to be able to coordinate with Iowa State University, State of Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and the State Hygienic Laboratory to be able to provide this service.
Information related to prevention, transmission, and control of mosquitos.
https://www.cdc.gov/zika/about/index.html
https://hhs.iowa.gov/cade/vectorborne-illness