Mosquito Surveillance & Control Program
Complaint Line (216) 201-2030
In 1975, the Cuyahoga County board of Health (CCBH) instituted a Vector Control Program to
address public health concerns by monitoring the spread of vector borne diseases such as
mosquito-borne encephalitis, which is a potentially fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal
cord. Mosquito Control Technicians survey and treat areas of stagnant water which could act as
potential mosquito breeding sites, including catch basins, roadside ditches, and woodland pools.
Adult mosquito surveillance is also conducted throughout the county to monitor adult mosquito
populations and disease activity. Disease transmission can only occur to people during the
adult stage of the
mosquito
life cycle. The mosquitos are submitted to the
Ohio Department
of Health for viral testing. This information is used to determine if adult mosquito control is
needed to protect the public.
In Ohio, there are three prevalent mosquito-borne viruses that cause encephalitis.
LaCrosse Encephalitis (LAC) virus
is transmitted between small woodland animals and mosquitoes.
St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE) and
West Nile virus (WNV) virus is
transmitted between several species of mosquitoes and wild birds. Humans are at risk of acquiring
encephalitis if bitten by a female mosquito that is infected with either virus. LAC is usually an
infection in young children between the ages of one and fourteen. SLE and the WNV are often more
serious disease affecting the elderly.
Early symptoms of mosquito-borne disease may include nausea, fever, vomiting, and/or
headache. These symptoms usually develop in approximately two weeks. More serious cases
include drowsiness, stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, tremors, and convulsions (especially in
infants). Diagnosis of encephalitis can only be made through laboratory testing. Consult your
physician if any or all of these symptoms occur, especially during the peak months of virus
transmission, which are June through October.
HELP PREVENT MOSQUITO ACTIVITY BY:
- Disposing of containers that collect water (buckets, tires, cans, etc.)
- Eliminating areas of standing water
- Repairing leaky outdoor faucets that leave puddles
- Emptying bird baths at least once a week
- Draining and unclogging gutters
- Filling tree holes with tar or cement
YOU CAN MINIMIZE CONTACT WITH MOSQUITOES BY:
- Tightly screening all openings of your home
- Keeping children indoors during times of high mosquito activity (1 hour before and 1 hour after
sunset)
- Wearing an
insect repellent
containing 30% DEET (diethyl-m-toluamide) for adults. For children and pregnant women it is
recommended a smaller concentration (10%)of DEET in the product. Follow manufacturer directions for
application. All of the EPA-registered active ingredients have demonstrated repellency
however some provide more longerlasting protection than others. Additional research reviewed by CDC
suggests that repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) or picaridin (KBR 3023)
typically provide longer-lasting protection than the other products and oil of lemon eucalyptus
(p-menthane-3,8-diol) provides longer lasting protection than other plant-based repellents.
Permethrin is another long-lasting repellent that is intended for application to clothing and gear,
but not directly to skin. In general, the more active ingredient (higher concentration) a repellent
contains, the longer time it protects against mosquito bites.
SOME COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS...
Q. Who provides the treatment of suspected mosquito breeding?
A. The CCBH Vector Control Program employs a team of mosquito control technicians who have
received training through the Ohio
Department of Agriculture's "Safety Training Guide for Trained Servicemen".
These technicians are supervised by a CCBH Registered
Sanitarian.
Q. Is mosquito-borne encephalitis a communicable disease?
A. Mosquito-borne encephalitis cannot be spread from one person to another or directly from
domestic animals to humans.
Q. What effect, if any, will the pesticides have on people or domestic animals?
A. The toxicity of the
E.P.A. registered pesticides used by
the Board of Health is extremely low for people and animals.
ADULTICIDING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS....
Q What will you be spraying and how much?
A The adulticide is a synthetic pyrethroid registered for mosquito control and is applied at a
low volume so that approximately 1.0 ounce of the active ingredient is applied per acre of
area.
Q What precautions should I take?
A You may elect to close your windows while the treatment occurs on your street. Central air
conditioning units may remain on. These units do not pull air into the home. Window air
conditioning units may be switched to re-circulate mode if equipped, or if you elect, shutoff while
the treatment occurs on your street.
Q Is there a residual left on surfaces?
A The product is designed to kill mosquitoes on contact in the air. The product starts to break
down immediately after it is dispensed. The evening dew and morning sunshine accelerates the
breakdown so that in 24 hours it is barely detectable. Car paint is not affected by the
product.
Q Should I wash off my outdoor furniture, children's toys, etc.?
A It is not necessary to wash any objects left outside the night of treatment. If you feel more
comfortable to do so then simply use your spray hose. Garden vegetables should be washed off before
eating as usual to remove soil, animal or insect droppings.
Q Should I stay indoors, or what other health concerns should I have?
A The machine makes a loud noise and the truck will have a flashing beacon to indicate its
location. Residents may elect to go indoors as the truck passes and then return outdoors after the
droplets dissipate in a few minutes. The product will not cause respiratory problems to the general
public. People concerned or who have respiratory problems may elect to stay indoors during the
evening to avoid any exposure to the mosquito adulticide.
REMEMBER:
Prompt diagnosis and treatment of mosquito-borne encephalitis is important to a patient's
recovery. If you feel that you may have been exposed to the encephalitis virus, consult a physician
immediately.
If you would like to file a complaint regarding standing water that
may be breeding mosquitos on your property or a neighbors property then please call the mosquito
hotline at 216-201-2030 or notify this office by
email or
contact the program manager, Joe Lynch at 216-201-2001 ext. 1241.
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