Background: LaCrosse encephalitis (LAC) is a mosquito-transmitted disease, primarily affecting children under 15 years of age. During 1997, 115 cases of LAC were reported nationwide with West Virginia (WV) reported 63% of cases. In addition to LAC, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, and, most recently, West Nile encephalitis are also mosquito-borne infectious diseases of public health importance. Objectives: To educate 4th through 6th grade level students, using an interactive CD-ROM format, about mosquito biology and ecology, disease transmission, risk factors, and prevention measures. Methods: Develop an interactive multimedia CD-ROM that entertains while educating. Two animated characters, Neato and Nita, take the user through five colorful and amusing lessons: (1) Life history of the mosquito, (2) Mosquitoes suck: Feeding on flower nectar and blood, (3) The circle of life: Mosquito ecology, (4) Mosquitoes and disease, and (5) Preventing encephalitis. Video clips using QuickTime(tm) and still slides are used to illustrate lessons. The interactive CD-ROM was field tested for content and format on age appropriate students, revised, and re-tested for software reliability. The product is cross-platformed allowing it to be used on PC as well as Macintosh computers. Results: The CD-ROM will initially be available at no cost to elementary teachers who desire to provide additional curriculum support to their science and biology lessons beginning March 2000. Evaluation will occur by mail-in evaluation cards provided with the product. Results will be presented as received through October 2000.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify the vectors and agents associated with mosquito-borne encephalitis. 2. Identify risk factors associated mosquito-borne encephalitis. 3. Identify methods to prevent exposure to mosquito-borne encephalitis
Keywords: Infectious Diseases, Health Education
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.