Guidelines for the emergency management of mosquito-borne disease outbreaks

This document addresses three trigger events (existing diseases, natural disasters, and exotic diseases) that could necessitate an emergency response. Building on the solid foundation established by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) in the report "Public Health Confronts the Mosquito: Developing Sustainable State and Local Mosquito Control Programs", this document provides analysis and recommendations for countering the threat of mosquito-borne disease outbreaks in five sections: Plan Ahead, Involve Others, Use the Best Science and Data, Inform the Public, Responding to a Mosquito-Borne Epidemic Emergency. While emergencies can be extremely challenging, careful planning may avert many difficulties. Mosquito control programs simply cannot respond effectively to exotic diseases, existing pathogens or natural disasters if thorough, deliberate and evidence-based preparation is absent. At the same time, this document provides recommendations for mosquito control in areas with limited resources or a reduced response capacity.ASTHO is grateful for the financial support and technical assistance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne and Enteric Diseases, Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Disease. The project received direct funding through the CDC Cooperative Agreement to Improve the Nation's Health Public Health Infrastructure with State Public Health Agencies/Systems, Award No. U50/CCU313903-8-4.The CDC team of Roger Nasci, Tracy Badsgard and Emily Zielinski-Gutie\u301rrez provided key support, guidance, and feedback throughout the course of this project