Short Bites Monthly

Your digest for September 2023.

A hand holding a smartphone displaying a mosquito image, with "September Update" highlighted in bold text.

Short Bites Monthly ensures that our data as a public health agency remains transparent to the public and to people who are interested in our mission.

The image features the phrase "IN YOUR COMMUNITY" alongside colorful house icons against a light background.

Events

  • Thank you to the all of the cities and event organizers who booked us up for the month of October. We can’t wait to attend your events.
  • This month, we presented at community meetings and hosted Repellent Zones at family centered events in various cities throughout our District.
Three people interact at a booth in a park, discussing materials, with tents and people visible in the background.
Image of District staff working a community event this month.

Outreach Efforts

chart
Image of our outreach efforts this month.
  • We have detected West Nile virus (WNV) activity in birds and mosquitoes in several locations throughout the district.

Follow West Nile Virus Updates

A worker inspects a truck bed with green gloves hanging and tools visible inside.
Image of a Technician preparing for a routine inspection.
  • We have responded to WNV with enhanced investigation and control measures. Our efforts include increased surveillance, public education, and control to reduce the threat of West Nile virus human infection.
  • This month, our District has focused on Enhanced Neighborhood Support (ENS) and in attending events in high trap count communities.
  • While we take care of the public sources, please remember that mosquito control is still a shared responsibility and that we can’t access the stagnant water in your yard so TIP, TOSS, & PROTECT yourself from mosquitoes.

See what residents can do to control mosquitoes in their communities

A person in a green shirt is using a laptop outdoors, with vehicles and cleaning supplies visible in the background.
Image of a Vector Control Specialist monitoring Enhanced Neighborhood Support activities.
text, chalk board

EcoHealth Newsletter

Read Past Newsletters

Citizen Science

A person is examining materials related to a mosquito identification kit in a lab setting with insect illustrations in the background.
Image of Communications Specialist assisting in citizens science kit assembly.
  • At headquarters, we’re delivering kits to schoools and preparing to collect their water samples. Teachers and their students who submit water samples are participating in citizen science! You guys rock!

Check Out Our Citizen Science Programs

The image shows a digital microscope displaying specimens on a monitor, with a pamphlet promoting health education.
Image of water samples during citizen science Vector Inspector Program visits.

Digital Communication

  • West Nile virus (WNV) is the most pervasive threat in California and is transmitted by local Culex mosquitoes.
  • Since WNV is endemic to the San Gabriel Valley, we work hard to prevent local disease outbreaks.

Read West Nile Virus Updates

A smiling woman in a red floral dress talks on the phone at a desk, with paperwork and a plant in the background.
Image of Administration staff conversing with residents about WNV presence.
  • This month, meet Public Health Barbie. Find out what happens when Ada meets Barbie with mosquito repellent, an awareness campaign, and data at her fingertips.
The image features text that reads "IN DISEASE CONTROL & MONITORING" beside an illustration of a microscope with a virus graphic.

We continue to focus on maintaining essential vector surveillance including mosquito trap routes, arbovirus testing, providing weekly data to the District, and maintaining the mosquito fish and mosquito colonies.

A person in a lab coat is working with samples in a lab, using tools and containers, with an emergency eye wash station in view.
Image of a Vector Control Specialist preparing to identify mosquito trap findings.

Data Collection

The image shows a map with blue dots indicating various locations in and around the Los Angeles area, likely representing data points or events.
Image of average mosquitoes per trap by sampling location and by city/community. The size of the bubbles on the map reflects the relative numbers of mosquitoes caught at each trap.
The pie chart shows mosquito species distribution: Cx quinquefasciatus at 91.4%, with Ae aegypti at 5.61%.
This chart depicts the overall abundance of mosquitoes collected during the current reporting period. Species listed on the far right are sorted by total amount collected during this reporting period.
Sep traps
This chart depicts the total number/types of traps set during this reporting period.
  • This month, enhanced surveillance areas identified high trap counts with positive mosquito samples.
  • We will be continue to follow up on the positive mosquito sites to monitor disease transmission.

Safety Reminders

Take Action Against Mosquitoes: Tip, Toss, Protect

 

Before you go, check out the links we love this month …

The image features bold text that says "LINKS WE LOVE" on an orange background.
Man making thumbs up
Upcoming Events at the Theodore Payne Foundation 
  • Learn about the beauty and history of California Native Plants at an educationl event hosted by the Theodore Payne Foundation.

Learn More

Community Science with Xerces Society 
  • Community Science is a form of research that provides everyone—regardless of their background—an opportunity to contribute meaningful data to further our scientific understanding of key issues. It's also a great opportunity for participants to learn more about species that interest them. 

Learn More

Do Mosquitoes Actually Bite Some People More Than Others? 
  • Ted-Ed video explores the science of what attracts mosquitos, and find out why mosquitos bite some people more than others.

Learn More

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Communications Department Mission Statement:

Increase transparency and credibility through multi-media dialogue in order to engage and motivate internal, local, regional, statewide, and nationwide stakeholders to take action and become public health agents of change in their communities.

 

🖋  Written by Ally Gaspar, Outreach Assistant