Courtesy Photo | Army Spc. Tamaryn Swickheimer, 61st Medical Detachment hangs light trap for nighttime...... read more read more
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By Spc. Charles Bateman
61st Medical Detachment, Preventive Medicine
VICTORY BASE CAMP, Iraq -- More insects have started to emerge as the temperature outside continues to rise, including mosquitoes and sand flies, causing an increased workload for Soldiers of the 61st Medical Detachment, Preventive Medicine.
The detachment's responsibility is to monitor vector populations and initiate appropriate control measures once predetermined thresholds are reached. Populations of concern include Anopheles. Mosquitoes can transmit malaria and sand flies which can lead to transmitting leishmaniasis.
The 61st Med. Det. accomplishes this mission by setting out 40 Centers for Disease Control Mosquito Light Traps at different sites throughout Victory Base Camp twice a week. These traps use a light source to attract mosquitoes and sand flies and suck them into a netted cup for collection. The traps are set out in the afternoon and collected the following day.
Catches are brought back to the lab where mosquitoes and sand flies are separated and identified. Additionally, Kellogg, Brown and Root Vector Control operate traps called Mosquito Magnets. These traps burn propane to produce carbon dioxide, which attracts these types of bloodsucking insects.
The traps run continuously throughout VBC and captured insects are collected weekly for identification by the 61st Med. Det. All mosquitoes and sand flies collected in the light traps and Anopheles from the Mosquito Magnets are sent to the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine (Europe) for pathogen testing.
Population data from 2006 suggests that mosquito levels on VBC will peak between the months of April and June, while sand fly population levels will peak between June and October. Catches are just beginning to hit the required thresholds for pesticide application and the numbers are increasing.
The 61st Med. Det. has received numerous complaints from Soldiers and Civilians about these insects. Fortunately, you can protect yourself from mosquitoes and sand flies by using the DoD arthropod repellent system.
First, the uniform should be worn with sleeves down and pant legs bloused inside the boots. Second, the uniform and bed nets should be treated with permethrin using an IDA Kit or the infamous yellow can. Lastly, the insect repellent DEET should be applied to all exposed skin, to include hands, neck and face. The lotion should be reapplied frequently if you sweat a lot.
Ensure that breeding habitats are removed from your area by picking up trash, eliminating stagnant water, cutting down excessive brush and removing old sandbags.
By taking these small steps to protect yourself, you will significantly reduce the chance of contracting diseases such as malaria and leishmaniasis.
The vector surveillance program is a large part of the preventive medicine mission during the summer months.
Working with KBR, the 61st Med. Det. will monitor and control mosquito and sand fly populations based on DoD approved methods. Help yourself and your buddy by remaining fit to fight.
| Date Taken: | 06.24.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 06.24.2007 05:32 |
| Story ID: | 10937 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 273 |
| Downloads: | 91 |
This work, Your health - Sand flies, mosquitoes monitored daily on Victory to prevent serious diseases, by Jacob Boyer, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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