Thule AB, Greenland, Mosquito Survey and Arbovirus Surveillance, 2012

• Main Author: Reeves, Will K
• Other Authors: AIR FORCE SCHOOL OF AEROSPACE MEDICINE WRIGHT- PATTERSON AFB OH PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH DEPT
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: Biology; Medicine and Medical Research; *AEDES; AIR FORCE FACILITIES; ARBOVIRUSES; DISEASE VECTORS; GREENLAND; MOSQUITOES; VECTOR SURVEILLANCE; THULE AIR BASE(GREENLAND); Greenland; Thule Air Base; Thule Air; Thule
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA592210; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA592210

At the request of 21 AMDS/SGPB, the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine/Epidemiology Consult Services (USAFSAM/PHR) entomologist, two USAFSAM/Public Health Education entomologists, and the chief entomologist from the Air Force Aerial Spray Flight (USAF Reserve Command, Youngstown, OH) conducted a base-wide mosquito vector survey on 13 June-1 July 2012. One species of mosquitoes, Aedes impiger, was collected and more than 3000 were processed for virus testing. Active mosquito breeding sites were located throughout the base and surrounding valley. The USAFSAM/PHR entomologist and a U.S. Army Human Resource Command, Ohio State University graduate student conducted molecular testing on the mosquitoes for arboviruses. Two pools of mosquitoes from Thule AB were positive for an Orthobunyavirus; however, DNA sequencing of the viral amplicons was not complete enough to fully identify the agent. No vector surveillance or control programs are in effect at Thule AB. Based on the history of mosquito pest problems and the potential for mosquito-borne viruses, we recommend that these be established.