From Caribbean News Now

ST CROIX, USVI — The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded an initial 90-day emergency contract to implement the USVI vector control plan, an important part of the territory’s response to zika.

Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) was selected by CDC as part of a national vector control contract to carry out mosquito control programs in US states and territories to aid in the control of zika virus. USVI residents can expect to see VDCI crews out in the community beginning on Monday.

“USVI’s mosquito control efforts are focusing on pregnant woman as the highest risk population, because a woman can pass zika virus to her fetus during pregnancy. Zika infection during pregnancy has been linked to microcephaly, a severe birth defect that is a sign of incomplete brain development. We want to protect as many pregnant women as possible,” stated Commissioner Nominee, Dr Michelle Davis.

The mosquito that spreads zika, Aedes aegypti, uses natural and artificial water-holding containers such as buckets, used tires, plastic containers, and clogged gutters to lay their eggs. Therefore, during the first 30 days, VDCI will focus on reducing mosquito breeding sources by discarding or draining sources of standing water, and application of larvacide to kill mosquitoes in areas of high risk. Mosquito control efforts will take place in and around the homes of pregnant women, as well as local schools, hospitals and areas with historical clusters of both dengue and chikungunya. This is because the mosquito that spreads zika virus also spreads dengue and chikungunya.

VDCI crews may apply larvacide if mosquito larvae are found on the property during an initial property assessment visit. Larvacide will be applied either by hand, or by backpack application. The larvacide that will be used in USVI is Vectobac WDG, a naturally occurring bacteria that lives in soil, and kills mosquitoes and black fly larvae in standing water. The bacteria has been registered for use in pesticides by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) since 1961. It is not harmful to pets, children, and is safe for pregnant women.

“The Department of Health, in consultation with federal, state/territory, and contract partners, has begun a review of all available vector control methods under consideration for protection from zika. Emergency tools under consideration by federal, state and other territories include application of larvacide, adulticides, and residual insecticide spraying. The DOH will complete this review within 30 days and provide a recommendation for investigation of additional methods to be included in future integrated pest management activities,” concluded Deputy Commissioner Kimberly Jones.

IMAGE: The Aedes aegypti mosquito that transmits the zika as well as dengue and chikungunya viruses