Operations I
Operations I
The introduction and subsequent establishment of Aedes albopictus (S.) and Aedes aegypti (L.) in Los Angeles County have created many operational control and surveillance challenges for local vector control agencies. The rapid increase in distribution and abundance of these species have elevated the risk for autochthonous transmission of diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, which are regularly detected as travel-associated human infections by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH). Conducting targeted surveillance, control, and outreach efforts around these human cases to mitigate the risk of local transmission is highly resource-intensive, particularly when concurrently responding to two or more probable or confirmed cases. Consequently, in the event of an outbreak of Aedes-transmitted disease, vector control agencies can become easily overwhelmed. In 2016, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) partnered with the Emergency Preparedness Response Division of the LACDPH to facilitate access to public health volunteer resources during an outbreak or emergency declaration. Through this partnership, GLACVCD can access support from various governmental and community partners, including the Medical Reserve Corps, local Community Emergency Response Teams, and the Public Health Emergency Volunteer Network, to assist with conducting inspections and outreach efforts. Informational training sessions and full-scale exercises are conducted annually to ensure readiness. In this presentation, the evolution and current status of this partnership will be discussed.