AMCA Initiating Effort to Monitor Mosquito Crisis in Haiti

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — As Haiti recovers from the devastating January 12th earthquake, the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) expresses its concern for residents and relief workers alike. 

 According to AMCA Technical Advisor and Retired U.S. Navy Medical Entomologist Joseph M. Conlon, the region will face both immediate challenges and long-term repercussions:

• Damages caused by the earthquake have created ideal habitat for mosquitoes to lay eggs.
• At present, flies will prove to be an issue for rescue workers in the area, possibly hampering relief efforts.
• In the coming weeks, the traumatized population and rescue workers will feel the impact of increased mosquito activity, as temporary shelters provide little protection from the insects.
• Eventual concerns, which are more challenging to predict, include the spread of mosquito-borne diseases – in particular, malaria and dengue fever.

 Joe Conlon is available to comment on these issues, and is initiating an effort with AMCA to monitor the mosquito crisis.  He will initiate a response with AMCA members and partners based on the feedback from relief workers in Haiti.

 About AMCA

Celebrating 75 years of protecting public health in 2010, the American Mosquito Control Association is an international not-for-profit public service association.  With 1,600 members worldwide, AMCA services are provided mainly to public agencies and their principal staff members engaged in mosquito control, mosquito research and related activities.  The membership extends to more than 50 countries, and includes individuals and public agencies engaged in mosquito control, mosquito research and related activities.  Please visit AMCA online at www.mosquito.org.