The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #72380

Paul Biedrzycki, MPH, MBA, David Campbell, RS, Douglas Gieryn, and Donna Howe. Milwaukee Health Department, 841 N. Broadway, room 315, Milwaukee, WI 53202-3653, 414-286-3521, pbiedr@milwaukee.gov

To describe an interagency model for local public health response including the development of a coordinated environmental strategy for the control of West Nile Virus (WNV) in the community. Background: In 2001, the City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) initiated the creation of a multi-agency and interdisciplinary workgroup for purposes of developing an environmental control strategy in response to detection of avian WNV in the community. Planning and Methods: The MHD assembled a diverse group of County, City and health care agencies to participate in the WNV workgroup. The State Department of Public Health provided limited funding and the MHD initially retained a private sector mosquito control consultant for employee training and workgroup technical support. Results: The workgroup developed a three-pronged environmental strategy and action plan to respond to WNV. Components of the strategy included surveillance of avian, mosquito and human populations, intensive public education and mosquito control and abatement. Urban mosquito control focused on catch basins and parks. Public information was posted routinely on the MHD website and a citizen hotline was created for reporting and inquiries. A database of dead avian reports was developed for temporal and spatial analysis. The local media was used liberally to provide routine activity updates and findings to the general public. Human surveillance was conducted through use of secure Internet connections with local hospitals and other healthcare providers. Conclusion: The MHD coordinated a multi-agency workgroup and subsequent environmental response to WNV in the community at modest cost and with limited funding.

Learning Objectives:

• Demonstrate the importance of a collaborative multi-disciplinary response needed for a local health department to effectively manage an emerging public health threat; and
• Describe how a local health department utilized the media and other resources to educate and involve the community with response to West Nile virus.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.