Improving the West Nile Virus Surveillance Program

Participants in the project included one sanitarian and the environmental health director. Planning was conducted with both staff members. They used a fishbone diagram to identify potential causes of surveillance discrepancies (as described in the Root Cause section). Several interventions were employed in a series of PDSA cycles: staff equipped traps with the appropriate mechanisms including motors and bungee cords for stabilization; staff uploaded dead bird sighting data and positive mosquito data into the GIS, which in turn allowed for the sanitarian to identify areas of possible concern and allowed for the opportunity to relocate traps based on mapped data; and staff established relationships with the Kendall County Forest Preserve District and local municipalities to share information and establish potential trap locations. These efforts enabled staff to target locations most susceptible to mosquitoes that carry the virus. The stakeholder relationships provided a platform for greater awareness of the West Nile virus surveillance program and more impactful education to the community on the West Nile virus and associated prevention strategies.

Direct observation was used to monitor trap functioning. Malfunctions were documented and recorded. Outcome data such as number of mosquitoes tested, number of positive tests, and number of negative tests were recorded using a Microsoft Excel document. These outcome data are analyzed annually. A GIS was used to input data and create maps.