Latest news with #vectorcontrol
Zawya
2 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Egypt launches the first field epidemiology training programme in vector control in the Middle East and North Africa
The WHO Country Office in Egypt supported the Ministry of Health and Population in launching the Middle East and North Africa's first field epidemiology training programme (FETP) focused on vector control. Supported by the Pandemic Fund, it aims to strengthen national capacity in detecting, preventing and responding to vector-borne diseases. The training involved 32 participants, mainly agricultural engineers from the human and animal sectors. It is designed to build workforce capacity to manage and respond to vector-borne disease outbreaks by strengthening and fostering multisectoral collaboration and communication across the human, animal and environmental health sectors using the One Health approach. The training combines short classroom-based modules with extended field placements. Over 6 months, participants attend 3 workshops, each followed by field assignments to reinforce practical skills. The programme allocates 20% of training time to classroom instruction and 80% to hands-on fieldwork across different governorates. Egypt FETP comprises competency-based, mentored training that helps public health professionals enhance their field epidemiology knowledge, skills and competencies. Established in 1993, it has trained and graduated 385 epidemiologists. FETP operates at basic, intermediate and advanced levels. WHO Egypt has continued to provide technical support to Egypt's FETP, including updating training materials, mentoring participants, reviewing reports, abstracts and manuscripts and offering logistical support such as organizing workshops and other fieldwork activities. Successful implementation of the training will enhance Egypt's capacity for prevention, preparedness, detection and response to outbreaks, contributing to the safeguarding of public health and health system resilience. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization - Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean.
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
West Nile Virus found in mosquitoes in Lubbock County, warns city. Here's what to know
The City of Lubbock is warning Lubbock County residents that West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes in the county. According to the city, the Biological Threat Research Lab at Texas Tech University has notified the Lubbock Health Department that mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus are active in Lubbock County. Others are reading: What's coming in Lubbock County's proposed budget? Here's what's being discussed In response, the vector control teams will increase spraying within the community, with the city strongly urging the public to take precautions to reduce mosquito bites and help prevent the spread of the virus. The city is also asking residents to help prevent the spread of the virus by reporting biting adult mosquitoes or reporting a suspected mosquito breeding site. According to the health department, West Nile is a disease of birds that humans are exposed to after a mosquito has fed on an infected bird. Humans can only contract it from mosquitoes and cannot pass it to other humans. For more information about West Nile Virus, visit the CDC website: According to the health department, here are the common symptoms: Headache. Fever. Muscle and joint aches. Nausea. Fatigue. Symptoms involving the central nervous system can also develop, which include neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis. According to the health department, most infected people show no symptoms, with most recovering on their own. Currently, there are no medications or vaccines to prevent or treat infection. People over 50 years old and those with other health issues are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill. If people have symptoms and suspect West Nile Virus infection, they should contact their healthcare provider. Individuals can take the following steps to prevent infection this holiday week and throughout summer: Wearing an EPA-registered insect repellant Covering up with long-sleeved shirts and long pants Keeping mosquitoes out of living areas by using air conditioning or intact window screens Limiting outdoor activities during peak mosquito times Dumping standing water around your home As of June 18, there have been no reported human West Nile infection cases or deaths in Lubbock in 2025. Mateo Rosiles is the Government & Public Policy reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Got a news tip for him? Email him: mrosiles@ This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: West Nile Virus found in mosquitoes around Lubbock, city urges caution
Malay Mail
15-06-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
When the heat rises, so do the mosquitoes, and dengue — Rafidah Lani
JUNE 15 — Malaysia is currently experiencing prolonged periods of extreme heat, and while much of the public concern has focused on heatstroke and energy consumption, another pressing issue is unfolding quietly: an increase in mosquito activity, particularly the Aedes species responsible for dengue transmission. These rising temperatures are not just a discomfort—they are accelerating the life cycles and disease-spreading potential of mosquitoes in ways we can no longer afford to ignore. As a tropical country, Malaysia has always been hospitable to mosquito populations. However, heatwaves significantly worsen the situation. Elevated temperatures shorten the time it takes for mosquito eggs to hatch, allowing larvae to mature into adults at a faster rate. With more mosquitoes emerging in less time, local populations can surge dramatically. The heat also extends the lifespan of adult mosquitoes, offering a longer window for them to bite and spread viruses such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. More worryingly, studies have shown that warmer conditions enhance the rate at which viruses replicate within the mosquito's body. This means mosquitoes become infectious earlier in their life, thereby amplifying the potential for outbreaks. In addition to enhancing vector biology, the heatwave is also influencing human behaviour in ways that may inadvertently aid mosquito survival. People are more likely to stay indoors, but often forget to eliminate small collections of stagnant water around the home, such as in flowerpots, dish trays, or clogged drains. These become ideal breeding sites, particularly when left unattended for several days. At the same time, fewer people may tolerate fogging activities or opt to wear protective clothing in the heat, thereby reducing the effectiveness of standard preventive measures. Heatwaves means shorter breeding, hatching, and maturing times for mosquitoes that also extend their lifespans, enabling a longer window for them to bite and spread viruses such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. — Unsplash pic The data is already showing signs of escalation. As of mid-June this year, over 27,000 dengue cases have been reported nationwide. This represents not just a seasonal spike, but a larger trend that correlates closely with rising ambient temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns. In 2023, Malaysia saw a worrying increase in both dengue infections and hospitalisations, and if current conditions persist, 2024 may prove to be worse. These trends underscore the complex relationship between climate change and infectious disease dynamics—a relationship that is no longer theoretical, but observable in real time. From a public health perspective, this calls for a dual response: one that addresses mosquito control directly, and another that strengthens public awareness of the environmental drivers of disease. Vector control must remain consistent and science-based, with improvements to drainage systems, enhanced surveillance of high-risk areas, and continuous engagement with communities to reduce breeding grounds. Public understanding, meanwhile, must shift from viewing mosquitoes as an isolated nuisance to recognising them as indicators of wider ecological imbalance. There are also individual actions that can help mitigate the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Households should regularly inspect their surroundings for stagnant water, especially after rainfall or routine water use. Applying mosquito repellents, wearing long- sleeved clothing, and installing netted barriers on windows can all reduce exposure, particularly in areas with high case numbers. While these measures may seem basic, they remain essential tools in our efforts to control the spread of dengue. Climate change may feel like a distant global issue, but its consequences are already here—in the form of record-breaking heat, longer mosquito seasons, and rising infection rates. Dengue is not merely a seasonal concern; it is a climate-linked health crisis that demands immediate attention. Though we cannot control the weather, we can control our readiness to respond. By staying vigilant and informed, both individually and collectively, we can limit the impact of this growing threat before it overwhelms our healthcare systems and communities. * Dr Rafidah Lani is a viral immunologist and a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, and can be reached at [email protected] ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Times of Oman
02-06-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Muscat Municipality organises training programme in pest control
Muscat: In partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), Muscat Municipality successfully conducted a specialised training programme for the pest control professionals, from 18 May to 1 June 2025. This initiative is part of the Municipality's ongoing efforts to build national expertise in vector control and raise public health standards across the Governorate. Aligned with the latest international standards and best practices, the programme was designed to train the national workforce and field operatives in pest control. It offered a comprehensive approach, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. It focused on pest identification, risk assessment, and the implementation of integrated, sustainable, and environmentally conscious control strategies. The initiative included a series of scientific lectures and on-site workshops delivered by leading international experts from the WHO. Skilled professionals across the wilayats of Muscat Governorate participated in these sessions, contributing to a dynamic and engaging training environment. 'The collaboration with the WHO underscores Muscat Municipality's commitment to strengthening partnerships with global institutions and capitalising on their expertise across various fields. It enables us to adopt world-class public health practices and further develop the skills and capabilities of our national workforce, contributing directly to national efforts to mitigate health risks and improve quality of life. "We remain steadfast in our investment in human capital, which forms the foundation of the sustainable urban development we aspire to,' said His Excellency Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality. Notably, this programme marks a significant milestone in Muscat Municipality's strategy to establish an effective and enduring pest control system aligned with public health objectives and national priorities. The Municipality also reaffirmed its commitment to enhance cooperation with international organisations, advance knowledge exchange, and launch further specialised training initiatives. Ultimately, this approach will empower national talent and elevate municipal services in line with the highest professional and scientific benchmarks.
Independent Singapore
22-05-2025
- General
- Independent Singapore
'Bitten and scarred': Facebook user flags severe mosquito problem at Rockridge Park, Yishun
SINGAPORE: A Facebook user, Zoey Lim, took to the 'Complaint Singapore' group on Wednesday to raise concerns about a 'serious mosquito issue' near Rockridge Park and the adjacent Housing & Development Board (HDB) block 502 in Yishun. The post included images of multiple large bite marks on her young niece's legs, allegedly caused by mosquito attacks during a brief evening stroll. 'The mosquitoes bit my niece seriously,' Lim wrote in the post, dated May 22. Rockridge Park sits quietly along Yishun Street 51 and falls under the jurisdiction of Nee Soon Town Council, which oversees the maintenance of public spaces in the Yishun area. The park is a known green space for residents, especially families, who frequent it during the early morning and late evening hours. A larger pattern? Lim's post has sparked a wave of concerned comments from fellow Yishun residents, many of whom echoed similar experiences of 'being swarmed by mozzies' during recent park visits. One user described the park as 'poorly maintained and not been cleaned for a very very long time.' This raises questions about the vector control measures in place for public parks and adjacent residential estates, especially given that the National Environment Agency (NEA) encourages public agencies and individuals to proactively eliminate stagnant water and potential breeding sites. Who's responsible? Under Singapore's mosquito control framework: The NEA is the primary body responsible for vector surveillance and public health enforcement. Nee Soon Town Council handles maintenance and fogging in common areas of HDB estates in Yishun, including park peripheries. Residents are expected to keep their private premises mosquito-free and report sightings via the OneService app. If confirmed, the severity of the mosquito issue at Rockridge Park may point to a breakdown in inter-agency coordination or lapses in routine fogging and drain maintenance. Next steps? As of the time of publication, no official statement has been issued. Residents are encouraged to report mosquito breeding grounds directly via the OneService app or contact the NEA hotline. NEA officers conduct regular inspections, and in cases of confirmed breeding, enforcement action—including fines—can be taken against responsible parties. Public health reminder If you or your family experience high fever, rashes, or joint pain after mosquito bites, consult a doctor immediately. These could be early symptoms of dengue fever, a potentially life-threatening condition.
