West Nile Virus, Municipalities' Role: an Information Resource Guide

The purpose of this guide, prepared by the Local Government Resource Center, is to lead municipal officials to sources of information concerning West Nile Virus, and to increase awareness and promote preventive measures. The information and links in this guide have been supplied by Kathleen F. Gensheimer, M.D., M.P.H., State Epidemiologist, Maine Bureau of Health

Letterhead: John Elias Baldacci, Governor
State of Maine, Department of Human Services, 11 State House Station, Augusta, Maine, 04333-0011
Peter E. Walsh, Acting Commissioner

To: Municipal Officers/Officials
From: Kathleen F. Gensheimer, M.D., M.P.H.
Subject: West Nile Virus Resource Materials
Date: April 15, 2004


West Nile virus was first detected in North America during the summer of 1999, when infection with the virus caused an outbreak of illnesses in New York City. Since that time, the virus has spread rapidly across the country. Over the past five years, the virus has spread to almost all areas on the country, including Maine. During 2003, West Nile Virus was documented (through testing of dead birds and mosquitoes) in 12 of Maine’s 16 counties. This was the third year in which WNV has been seen in Maine. Experts believe that WNV is well established in the ecologic systems of most areas in the United States, that it continues to spread, and that it will remain with us for many years to come. The Maine Bureau of Health recommends that citizens and municipalities assume that the risk of acquiring WNV infection exists in all Maine communities.

The Bureau of Health, Maine Department of Human Services has developed a surveillance system to track the emergence of West Nile virus in Maine, among birds, mosquitoes, and people. By tracking the spread of the virus, prevention efforts can be better focused to help educate the public on ways in which they can protect themselves and their families from the disease. In addition, other state agencies, including the Maine Department of Agriculture; the Maine Department of Conservation and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, health professionals and non-governmental groups have worked together since 2000 to increase awareness and promote preventive measures. We wish to draw your attention to a list of resources that are attached to this letter and that you find these items useful.

 

Resources:

Aquatic Pesticide Applications for Mosquito Control, Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

West Nile Virus and Implications for Water Quality (DEP) [click on the West Nile Virus link]

DEP Regulations Concerning the Use of Aquatic Pesticides, Maine Department of the Secretary of State

Human Health and Environmental Relative Risks of WNV Mosquito Control Products, Maine Board of Pesticides Control, www.thinkfirstspraylast.org

Certification and Licensing Chart

What Municipalities Need to Know About Pesticide Applicator Licensing for Mosquito Control, Maine Board of Pesticides Control

Mosquito Management, University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Mosquitoes in Maine, University of Maine Cooperative Extension

West Nile Virus: Frequently Asked Questions, New York State Bureau of Health

West Nile Virus: General Information, New York State Bureau of Health

West Nile Virus: Advice on Personal Protection, New York State Bureau of Health

West Nile Virus: Advice for Persons 50 and Older, New York State Bureau of Health

West Nile Virus: Questions & Answers

Permits for Application of Aquatic Pesticides to Control Vectors of West Nile Virus (DEP) 

Mosquito Insecticides Risk Issues, Maine Board of Pesticides Control

Thoughts on Municipal Mosquito Control Programs, Dick Bradbury, Maine Forest Service Entomologist

Two Uninvited Guests: The Asian Bush Mosquito and the Asian Tiger Mosquito, Michael Morrison, Entomologist

West Nile Virus Personal Protection Poster, Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Infectious Disease [go to " Posters & Brochures" area]