DATE: November 12, 2002
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT:
Fight The Bite: Support for Federal Legislation to Combat West Nile
Virus and Other Mosquito-Borne Diseases
SUMMARY:
Overview
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne
virus that has been found in parts of Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe.
The virus was introduced in the northeastern United States in 1999 and
has been making its way across the nation since that time. West Nile
virus is transmitted to humans through bites from mosquitoes that have
fed on infected birds.
Although there have been no reported cases of West Nile virus in animals or humans in San Diego County, it is only a matter of time before the virus reaches our region. We cannot afford to wait for the first case to be diagnosed.
Both H.R. 4793, the “Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health Act” and S. 3105, the “West Nile Virus and Arboviral Disease Act” authorize federal grants to local jurisdictions for mosquito control programs to prevent and control mosquito-borne diseases including the West Nile virus. If passed, these bills could provide a source of funding for the County’s existing mosquito control efforts that are likely to increase substantially as the West Nile virus continues to make its way toward the southwestern United States.
Recommendations
VICE CHAIRMAN GREG COX
- Express the Board of Supervisors’ support for H.R. 4793, the “Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health Act”; S. 3105, the “West Nile Virus and Arboviral Disease Act”; and other similar legislation.
- Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to draft a letter for the Chairman’s signature to the San Diego County Congressional delegation expressing the support of the County of San Diego for H.R. 4793, S. 3105 and other similar legislation.
- Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to indicate to the County’s Washington, D.C. Representative and other interested parties the support of the County of San Diego for H.R. 4793, S. 3105 and other similar legislation.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this proposal.
BACKGROUND:
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that has
been found in parts of Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe. The virus was
introduced in the northeastern United States in 1999 and has been
making its way across the nation since that time. West Nile virus is
transmitted to humans through bites from mosquitoes that have fed on
infected birds.
Most humans bitten by an infected mosquito have no symptoms, but a small proportion develops mild symptoms and some develop more severe illness that includes meningitis or encephalitis. There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection or any vaccine to prevent it.
Although there have been no reported cases of West Nile virus in animals or humans in San Diego County, it is only a matter of time before the virus reaches our region. We cannot afford to wait for the first case to be diagnosed.
San Diego County has assembled a task force to prepare for the arrival of the West Nile virus and its impact on public and environmental health. To date, the County’s efforts have been focused on public education, facilitating the development of a multi-agency comprehensive Countywide response plan, and control of the local mosquito population through the removal of breeding areas, the use of mosquito predators and the application of pesticides. While the control of mosquito-borne diseases is the County’s first priority, all measures are being taken with every effort to guard against any adverse impacts to sensitive habitats.
As the spring mosquito breeding season approaches along with the likelihood of the arrival of the West Nile virus, it is critical that the County seek funding to support continued aggressive measures to ensure that the impacts of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases are minimized. Other jurisdictions that have confirmed the presence of West Nile virus have experienced an increase over their existing program costs of between 20% and 200%.
Both H.R. 4793, the “Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health Act” and S. 3105, the “West Nile Virus and Arboviral Disease Act” authorize federal grants to local jurisdictions for mosquito control programs to prevent and control mosquito-borne diseases including the West Nile virus. If passed, these bills could provide a source of funding for the County’s existing mosquito control efforts that are likely to increase substantially as the West Nile virus continues to make its way toward the southwestern United States.
I urge your support for this measure.
Respectfully,
GREG COX
Vice Chairman
