Border Epidemiology and Environmental Health Center

Department of Health Science

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Binational Vector Control Technical Workgroup

A mosquito-borne binational surveillance system is a critical function in the prevention and control of specific infectious diseases in the border region.  The Binational Vector Control Technical Workgroup is designed to map the geographical location and movement of mosquito activity in the Paso del Norte Corridor (Southern New Mexico, West Texas, and Northern Chihuahua area).  This is done by organizing and coordinating with local and regional vector control programs in the collection and proper submission of mosquitoes to state labs to be identified and tested for arboviruses.  The group is also involved in an educational campaign designed to inform the public on ways they can decrease the incidence of mosquitoes and their favorable breeding sites in the Paso del Norte Corridor.  The recently developed campaign “Get Them Before They Get You!: ¡Atrapado no te hace Daño!” was adopted by the BEC and they continue to use the campaign logo as the logo for workgroup activities.  As part of the promotional campaign, brochures, posters, mailing inserts, magnets, and coloring books have been developed and distributed throughout the region translated in both English and Spanish.