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Short Bites Monthly

Your digest for September 2024.

A hand holding a smartphone displaying a mosquito image with "September Update" text above.
Short Bites Monthly ensures that our data as a public health agency remains transparent to the public and to people who are interested in our mission.
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We continue to provide the highest level of protection from vectors and vector-borne diseases to reduce outbreaks of human diseases in San Gabriel Valley.
A person unpacking a box with mosquito repellant products on a desk in an indoor setting.
Image of Outreach Assistant assembling literature kits for enhanced Communications response.

 District Communication

This month, we enhanced neighborhood response protocols in areas with high mosquito populations and disease risk of West Nile virus and dengue.

The CDC issued health advisory about an increase in dengue cases across the Americas this year, making it more important than ever to take action. Residents can help by removing standing water from their properties and by using mosquito repellent to protect themselves from infected mosquitoes that can transmit the virus. Together, these simple efforts reduce the risk of outbreaks and keep our communities safer.

Outreach Overview

A circular infographic showing September outreach stats for social media, in-person, newsletter, and EcoHealth, with engagement numbers.
Image of outreach stats for the past month. 

Mosquito Activity Overview

Our District’s surveillance team reports mosquito trap activity. The purpose of trapping is to monitor mosquito presence and risk of mosquito-borne disease. 

A line graph titled "Average Mosquitoes Per Trap" displaying weekly data for years 2020-2024, with a peak in one year.
Image of trap report comparing weekly average comparison from 2020-2024.

This month’s report shows that 2024 trapping (red) is recording lower abundance numbers compared to past years. However, September and October are the peak months for Aedes mosquito activity and you can expect to see more of Aedes mosquitoes in the coming weeks.

A map with blue markers, possibly indicating locations or data points, near cities like Pasadena and West Covina.
Image of this month's mosquito activity by latitude and longitude. Bubble size indicates mosquito abundunce per trap.
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We continue to maintain essential vector surveillance including mosquito traps for disease testing, providing weekly data to the District, and maintaining mosquito fish.
Transparent mesh bag with debris on the ground.
Image of black flies caught from an activity monitoring trap in the foothills.

Mosquito Species Overview

This month, we conducted mosquito, black fly, and tick trapping throughout San Gabriel Valley. We also enhanced trapping in areas of increased mosquito presence to anticipate possible disease transmission. 

See this month’s mosquito species report below:

Pie chart showing percentage distribution of mosquito species, with Cx quinquefasciatus and Ae aegypti being the most prevalent.
This chart depicts the overall abundance of mosquitoes collected during the current reporting period. Species listed on the far right are sorted by total amount collected during this reporting period.
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We continue to provide excellent science education services and reduce mosquitoes in homes and schools within the San Gabriel Valley.

EcoHealth Highlights

Our Fall EcoHealth programs are in full swing! This month, students in our V.I.P. and Operation Mosquito G.R.I.D. programs participated in analyzing water samples. At the end of the season, we’ll share some fascinating discoveries, showing just what can be found in stagnant water (hint: lots of mosquitoes). 

Two people working with medical supplies in a storeroom.
Image of Education Specialists assembling GRID and VIP kits for students enrolled in the Fall programs. 

District Resources to Share

Don't Fall for the Mosquito Trick 

Check out our Fall resource page and find out why mosquitoes thrive in your community. 

Link to Don't Fall for the Mosquito Trick 

https://www.sgvmosquito.org/don-t-fall-for-the-mosquito-trick

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes 

Are you getting mosquito bites around your home? Here's what you can do to get rid of mosquitoes. 

Link to How To Get Rid Of Mosquitoes

https://www.sgvmosquito.org/how-to-get-rid-of-mosquitoes

Dengue in the San Gabriel Valley 

Stay updated with the latest Dengue news in San Gabriel Valley.

Link to Dengue Activity in San Gabriel Valley 2024

https://www.sgvmosquito.org/dengue-in-the-san-gabriel-valley 

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Communications Department Mission Statement:

Increase transparency and credibility through multi-media dialogue in order to engage and motivate internal, local, regional, statewide, and nationwide stakeholders to take action and become public health agents of change in their communities.

 

🖋  Written by Ally Gaspar, Outreach Assistant