By Reba Campbell, contributor | With the recent emergence and rapid spread of the Zika virus abroad, government leaders at all levels have been working to understand the disease and how to prevent, detect and respond to it. Although no cases of local mosquito-borne transmission of the Zika virus have been confirmed in the United States, there have been dozens of travel-associated cases reported.
Before 2015, Zika virus outbreaks occurred in areas of Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. In May 2015, Zika virus infections were reported in Brazil, and currently outbreaks are occurring in many countries in South America, Central America and the Caribbean. Cases also have been reported in U.S. territories.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Zika will continue to spread and it will be difficult to determine how and where the virus will appear over time.
As of this week, there was one confirmed travel-associated case of Zika virus in South Carolina with more anticipated in the coming months..
Local government officials have a key role to play in preventing and responding to the threat of Zika through mosquito abatement and public education.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) recently convened a forum of state and local officials to discuss the Zika virus and resources available them in their role as the front-line defense against the spread of any mosquito-borne viruses.
DHEC has a variety of resources on its website to give individuals and local governments guidance on eliminating the risk of mosquito-borne viruses, but mosquito management programs are managed at the local level.
Local officials should have mosquito control plans in place that, at a minimum, address abatement and public education.
“Mosquito control plans involve many municipal departments, including public works, code enforcement and communications, so it’s important elected officials and staff understand their respective roles,” advised Scott Slatton, the Municipal Association of South Carolina’s legislative and public policy advocate.
While some cities and towns have their own mosquito abatement plans to destroy mosquito breeding areas and spray pesticides, the best option for many may be to partner with their county government through intergovernmental agreements for mosquito abatement, particularly spraying.
Also, code enforcement can play an important role in abatement efforts. Cities and towns should have and enforce local ordinances aimed at cleaning up properties that harbor mosquito breeding areas.
“Anything that can hold even an ounce of water is a potential mosquito breeding area,” explained Slatton. “Unkempt properties are prime mosquito breeding areas that local officials can address through code enforcement ordinances.”
Educating the public about the dangers of mosquito-borne illness should be an integral part of any mosquito abatement plan. Public information efforts about the virus and how to stop its spread are prime opportunities for local officials to use all available communication tools, including social media.
Multiple resources are available to help officials develop and implement local mosquito control plans. DHEC, Clemson University’s Department of Pesticide Regulation, the S.C. Mosquito Control Association and the University of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health offer valuable information.
The Municipal Association also has a variety of resources available to local governments regarding mosquito abatement.
Reba Campbell is deputy director of the Municipal Association of South Carolina. Have a comment? Send to: feedback@statehousereport.com
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