Environmental Health Response to Zika

The IHS California Area Division of Environmental Health Services (DEHS) has developed a response plan based on the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).  Our program's response to Zika virus centers on risk assessment, public health education, vector control and surveillance support services.  All of these elements are necessary for the implementation of an environmental health response to a confirmed/probable case of Zika virus infection within a Tribal community.

DEHS Support Services

Risk Assessment.  Using existing sources of vector surveillance data, in 2016 the California DEHS completed a risk assessment for all of the tribal communities within its direct service area.  The assessment identified communities geographically contained in municipalities or counties where an Aedes species mosquito infestation has been detected by state vector control agencies.  

Communities identified as at risk through this assessment are targeted for a heightened public health education and response planning effort to prevent the development of a local reservoir of Zika infected Aedes mosquitos. To learn more about your community's risk, contact us by email or phone 916.930.3981 ext. 336.

Public Health Education.  The California DEHS has assembled public health education and outreach materials for use in educating communities about Zika virus.  Click this link to access these materials.

Vector Surveillance and Control  The California DEHS has assembled a list of local, state and federal resources available to Tribal communities for use in implementing vector surveillance and control activities in response to a reported case of Zika virus within their community.  To learn more about these resources, you may contact us by email or phone 916.930.3981 ext. 336.