Synopsis
Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District (TX) strengthened its mosquito control program through hands-on mentorship, strategic equipment purchases, and field-based training to reduce the threat of vector-borne disease.
Challenge
Vector-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus remain a persistent public health threat in Wichita Falls, TX, and surrounding communities. Limited staffing, equipment gaps, and outdated processes reduced the effectiveness of local mosquito monitoring and larviciding efforts. The region’s warm climate, frequent standing water, and population proximity to breeding grounds amplify the risk. This limited capacity threatened the ability to conduct efficient mosquito identification, resistance testing, and early outbreak detection, particularly during peak mosquito season. A lack of standardized training and laboratory tools further complicated the response. The local health department sought to improve its capabilities and address workforce development needs to better serve the community and prevent mosquito-borne illness.
Solution
With support from NACCHO’s Vector Control Collaborative grant, the Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District launched an initiative from February to July 2025 to enhance its mosquito monitoring and mitigation efforts. Three Vector Control Workers were trained in trapping, identifying, and logging mosquito specimens, evaluating breeding sites, and performing insecticide resistance testing. A mentorship partnership allowed staff to observe and learn best practices from an established vector control program. New equipment, including CDC light traps, microscopes, and smart environmental controls, were purchased to modernize the lab and improve the precision of mosquito identification and specimen preservation. This project was led by the local health department in collaboration with NACCHO and funded through a federal grant. Field assessments and updated protocols ensured compliance with state and federal vector control regulations.
Results
The program increased coverage and improved the quality and speed of specimen analysis. Staff reported higher confidence and competence in identifying vector species and implementing resistance testing protocols. Over 250 trap nights were completed using newly purchased equipment, enabling better geographic data on mosquito populations. Specimens were successfully preserved and digitally documented with the new microscope and camera system. A newly hired worker expanded the team’s operational capacity by 75% for the grant duration. The mentorship trip provided practical, hands-on learning that is already influencing daily fieldwork and lab processes. The community is benefitting from enhanced vector surveillance coverage and more timely interventions, contributing to reduced disease risk and improved public health safety.
Lessons Learned
A critical lesson learned was the value of hands-on mentorship and training in accelerating capacity-building. Pairing structured learning with new equipment and clear protocols helped staff implement changes immediately. The success of the project was also due to careful planning and the strategic use of grant funds to address specific equipment and personnel needs.
Areas for improvement include expanding outreach to educate the public on prevention methods and developing a more formal process for ongoing staff training. This project demonstrates that meaningful capacity improvements can be achieved in a short timeframe with targeted investment and support. The program is a replicable model for other small-to-midsize health departments seeking to improve their vector control efforts.
Contact Information
Aspen Caristo
[email protected]
Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District, Texas
