Jennifer Whitaker City of Lewisville Resident. Jennifer Whitaker Bachelor of Science in Chemistry...
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Transcript of Jennifer Whitaker City of Lewisville Resident. Jennifer Whitaker Bachelor of Science in Chemistry...
Jennifer WhitakerCity of Lewisville Resident
Jennifer WhitakerBachelor of Science in Chemistry from
University of North Texas7 years experience in Aquatic Toxicology lab
located in Denton Texas8 years experience with Trinity River
Authority Chemistry and Aquatic Toxicology laboratories
Combined Experience of 15 years in environmental issues
West Nile Virus Infection RoutePassed on to mosquitoes via blood from
infected birdsVirus then multiplies in the mosquitoes body
for a couple of days and ends up in the salivary glands of the mosquito
The virus is then passed from the infected mosquito to the bitten organism
Other animals infected include cats, dogs, bats and livestock
Spraying: Least Effective MeasureMust be applied directly to mosquitoes in
order for the pesticide to work. Only about 10% of organisms are affectedMost effective when applied to wings per the
DuetTM Resource GuideOnly effective on adult organismsLife span of mosquito is two weeks, so
multiple applications are typically necessary
Toxic to Natural PredatorsDuetTM Dual Action AdulticideCurrently used in Dallas CountyConsidered for use in Denton CountyChemical Makeup: View MSDS View Product Label
Do not apply to bodies of waterExtremely Toxic to Aquatic Organisms
Many aquatic species feed on mosquito larvae and eggs such as Dragonfly larvae and Gambusia affinis (Mosquito fish)
Natural SelectionNot all mosquitoes exposed to the pesticide
will die due to genetic variations that make them immune.
Mosquitoes only have a two week life span which allows for adaptation to occur rapidly
Use of more potent or toxic pesticides will be necessary to achieve the same outcome over time.
Possible Human Health Effects-Short TermSection V: Health Hazard Data of the MSDS
for DuetTM
Harmful if swallowedCan cause skin irritation; burning or prickling
sensation in eyes, nose and mouthMay cause temporary tearing, irritation and
blurred visionExcessive inhalation of mists can cause nasal
and respiratory irritation (Note: This is an issue especially for asthmatics)
Long Term Health EffectsLong term exposure to chemical pesticides
have been shown to effect the immune systemLeading to allergiesIncrease in auto immune disease such as
cancer and lupusImpaired Immune system leads to more serious
cases of WNVNote: Long term effects of the use of DuetTM
have not yet been determined.
WNV SymptomsMild Case: fever, headache, body ache, skin
rash, swollen lymph nodesSevere case (neuroinvasive): Severe
Headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsion, muscle weakness and paralysis. Rarely death
Source: TDSHS West Nile Fact Sheet
WNV StatisticsOnly 20% of infected people experience mild
symptoms –which means that 80% of infected people have no symptoms at all.
Less than 1% of infected people experience severe symptoms
Only 1118 WNV cases reported currently in the United States for 2012
47 of the reported cases have resulted in death
Let’s look at the Real numbersCurrent Population of U.S: 314,242,000
Only 1118 WNV documented (<0.0004 % of population)
Only 47 deaths documented (<0.0002% of population)
Current Denton County Population:686,406-Only 119 WNV cases documented (<0.02% of population)-Only 1 Death documented (0.0001% of population)
Information gathered from CDC and Denton County Health Website-current 2012 statistics
Remember DDT?The use of chemical pesticide DDT was
widely used in urban aerial sprays to control urban mosquito, gypsy moths, Japanese beetle and other insects in the 1940’s. By 1972, DDT was banned from the United States due to widespread development of resistance to DDT and evidence that DDT use was increasing preterm births and also harming the environment.
Long Term Approach for LewisvillePublic Education is Key
Provide information on City websiteInformation sent home to parents via school
systemInformative flyers placed in prominent public
locations
Long Term Approach for Lewisville Information must emphasize the 4 D’s for
mosquito controlDEET: apply insect repellent to clothes and
skin before going outdoorsDress: when weather permits wear long
sleeves and pants when outdoorsDawn and Dusk: Stay indoors at these times
during which mosquitoes are most activeDrain: Standing water is a breeding ground for
mosquitoes.