Hatching Havens: Identifying Mosquito Larval Habitats at the KSU Field Station

Several species of mosquitoes found in the greater Atlanta metropolitan region are known vectors of West Nile and La Crosse viruses. Infection with these arthropod-borne viruses may result in febrile illness, neuroinvasion, long-term neurological sequelae, or death. We investigated the potential for mosquito breeding habitats at the Kennesaw State University (KSU) Field Station. The KSU Field Station is a 25-acre property located in Cobb County, GA, that is used for teaching and research activities, which range from farming to ecological studies involving native flora and fauna. The classes and ongoing research projects taking place at the KSU Field Station require frequent visitation and outdoor work involving students, staff, and faculty – potentially putting these persons at risk of mosquito bites and thus any circulating arthropod-borne virus that might be present. The KSU Field Station was surveyed on August 25th, 2023 for artificial water holding containers and the presence or absence of mosquito larvae. The Container Index (CI) was calculated per World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. We determined the CI for the KSU Field Station was 29.0%, which per the WHO indicates a high threat of pathogen transmission (in event arthropod-borne viruses are circulating). Critically needed public health education materials were then developed for KSU students, staff, and faculty. Public health communication efforts were subsequently launched at the KSU Field Station to disseminate and educate persons working at and visiting the Field Station on methods to decrease mosquito exposure and thereby prevent bites