In response to the threat posed by the Zika Virus, the Baltimore City Health Department (BHCD) and the City’s Health Commissioner, Dr. Leana Wen, has created a comprehensive Zika prevention and response plan that links over 20 City agencies and state and federal agencies like the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) and the Centers for Disease Control. The plan targets three key issues: (1) mosquito surveillance; (2) case investigation; and (3) public education. From a summary of the City’s plan:
1. Mosquito surveillance and response to standing water complaints
Zika is primarily transmitted by two types of mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus). BCHD has reinstated its mosquito surveillance program to determine the prevalence of Aedes mosquitos in neighborhoods. Surveillance will help predict the risk of the Zika virus being transmitted locally and will inform other prevention strategies including the use of adulticide, if necessary.
The best way to prevent Zika is to prevent mosquitoes from breeding by eliminating standing water. City agencies with front line employees will be trained to identify and eliminate standing water as well as to report larger pools they are unable to reach. BCHD will respond to standing water complaints through 311 and will issue violation notices and citations as appropriate. We strongly encourage all residents to monitor their property, empty containers that hold standing water at least every four days and report large bodies of standing water to 311.
2. Case Investigation
As the local public health authority, all potential cases of Zika must be reported to BCHD. The Acute Communicable Disease Program, in conjunction with DHMH, is advising Baltimore City clinicians to ensure that pregnant women and recent travelers to affected regions who may have been exposed to Zika virus receive testing. When a case is a confirmed, a public health team including, BCHD Environmental Health staff, health educators and public health investigators will visit the area. The public health investigator will do a home visit to counsel the patient and sexual partners and educate family members about the Zika virus. Other team members will complete an area survey to look for potential mosquito breeding grounds, and confidentially educate neighbors in the area.
BCHD will partner with DHMH and Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) to conduct targeted spraying if one of the following conditions occurs:
- There is a confirmed case of Zika;
- An Aedes aegypti mosquito identified through surveillance; or
- A threshold level of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes is identified in a given area.
Spraying will occur within a 300 yard radius of the occurrence. Appropriate notice will be provided to the community in advance of the targeted operation.
3. Community Outreach and Communications
To effectively prepare for and respond to the threat of the Zika virus, residents need to be educated both on the disease and how to mitigate the spread of the virus. By collaborating with city agencies, healthcare providers, and community-based partners, BCHD is coordinating efforts to both educate and empower communities to help combat Zika.
Community Outreach: All divisions within BCHD that perform community outreach will be educated in Zika prevention including disease intervention specialists, community risk reduction staff, maternal health program staff, home visiting nurses, all clinic staff, school nurses, and Safe Streets outreach workers. BCHD will use a “train the trainer” model to train staff from all City agencies in Zika prevention. Additionally, BCHD will provide posters, educational materials and other materials at all community sites. BCHD outreach staff and Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Liaisons will be attending police district meetings this summer to train community members directly.
Zika Ambassador Program: BCHD has developed a program for individuals who wish to become Zika Ambassadors to bring Zika education to their community, business etc. The training packet is available online at http://health.baltimorecity.gov/zika-virus. It includes an educational PowerPoint on Zika, informational flyers in English and Spanish, and suggested social media posts. Community Zika Ambassador trainings will also be held.