MOSQUITOS TAKING

OVER MONSOON SEASON

Delilah Sandoval
November 19, 2018
ABSTRACT
With this report, I am determined to spread knowledge to the board of directors on the
effects mosquitos have on residential properties and to contribute to a solution to mitigate the
risk to residents and minimize the liability of the company. Since the recent Zika virus outbreak
in Florida, many of our residents have been concerned since we are near Albuquerque’s Bosque.
If we decide to not conduct on what the residents are concerned about it is possible we could lose
them. I am offering a recommendation on how to make our residents feel safe and at home here.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Title
2. Abstract
3. Table of Contents
4. Introduction
5. Introduction cont.
6. Criteria/Methodology
7. Recommendations
8. Recommendations cont.
9. Recommendations cont.
10. Appendix
11. References/Work Cited

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INTRODUCTION
We want nothing but the best for our residents, we want them to feel at home and safe
here. There have been many concerns about the Zika virus outbreak in Florida and the mosquitos
taking over the upcoming monsoon season near our Bosque. It is important that we do everything
we can to keep every single resident safe and happy. Keep reading to figure out how we can do
exactly that.

WHAT IS THE ZIKA VIRUS?

The zika virus is a virus spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. The Aedes
mosquito carries more than just the zika virus, they also can spread mayaro, chikungunya,
dengue fever, and yellow fever viruses. These bloodsuckers will prey day and night. Sadly, the
zika virus can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus which can cause certain birth
defects. Some birth defects may include, damage to the back of the eye, clubfoot, decreased
brain tissue, and also microcephaly, which is when a baby’s head is smaller due to the brain not
developing properly. Scary enough, this virus can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse.

Jamacia Gleaner

Many people infected by the virus will have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Some
symptoms include fever, rash, headache, red eyes, and muscle and joint pain. Symptoms should
last for days to a week and the virus remains in the blood of someone infected for a week.
Since the symptoms are so mild people have trouble diagnosing their selves. There are no
specific medicine or vaccine for the virus but you could treat the symptoms, rest and drink fluids
so you are not dehydrated.
The best way to prevent zika is to simply try and stay as far away from mosquitos as you
can. Everyone should invest in mosquito repellent such as, Off! Spray, Repel spray, Sawyer
lotion, and Cutter spray. Every single home should have one of these mosquito repellents.

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IS NEW MEXICO SAFE?
In 2016 there was 10 reported cases of Zika virus. 1 in Chavez County, 1 in Curry
County, 1 in Dona Ana County, 1 in Sandoval County, 1 in Santa Fe County, 1 in Socorro
County, and 4 in Bernalillo County, which is where we are located. In 2017 there was no
reported cases and none in 2018… yet. I say yet not to scare you but to open your eyes about
how serious this is and about how important it is to keep our residents happy. In October of
2018, KOB web staff reported to finding mosquitos capable of transmitting the Zika virus in our
Bosque. It is our job to protect our residents and I know the question you are dying to know; how
do we prevent our residents from being victims?

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 CRITERIA/METHODOLOGY
RESEARCH PLAN
Step 1: Research the Florida outbreak
Step 2: Research past outbreaks in New Mexico
Step 3: Conclusion/prevention

STEP 1: RESEARCH THE FLORIDA OUTBREAK

In 2016 Florida had 1,471 reported cases of the Zika virus. In 2017 there was 262
reported cases. This year, 2018, there was 59 cases. All 59 cases reported this year was all
related to traveling. People that were infected somewhere else brought the virus to the state of
Florida. This happens in a lot of places here in the US. People from out of state or even out of the
country can bring viruses here and effect many people.

STEP 2: RESEARCH PAST OUTBREAKS IN NEW MEXICO

There has not been a reported case of the zika virus here in New Mexico since 2016. In
2016 there was only 10 cases and four of them were in Bernalillo county which is where we are
located. All 10 cases were due to travelers who were infected aboard and diagnosed when they
arrived back to New Mexico. According to KOB web staff, last month Aedes mosquitos were
found in our Bosque. Although that might seem like something big to worry about there has also
been Aedes mosquitos found in 2017 but no known outbreaks seemed to occur. We still need to
make sure our residents are in a safe, Zika free zone.

STEP 3: CONCLUSION/PREVENTION:
Although there has not been an outbreak since 2016 it is best if we take action. Like the
old saying, “Better safe than sorry.” We should not wait to do something because then it will be
too late, we need to take action immediately. During next monsoon season, we should get
everyone prepared for the worst. Read along for the recommendations I have in mind.

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RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATION 1: PROVIDE MOSQUITO TRAPS AROUND PROPERTY
Having mosquito traps around our property would be very beneficial because it kills
mosquitos while also having some style to it. They would look like any outdoor décor but with a
twist. They keep mosquitos away from our residents and plus they are very affordable.

QVC

RECOMMENDATION 2: PROVIDING MOSQUITO REPELLENT

This idea is great because our residents would not feel pressured to buy them when
sometimes they can’t. Life is hard and sometimes people cannot simply afford some things. We
could provide our residents with a good amount of mosquito repellent. This is also something
very affordable. In return, we get happy zika free residents and maybe even new residents.

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 Amazon

RECOMMENDATION 3: HAVING SIGNS, EMAILS, AND FLYERS INFORMING RESIDENTS

This recommendation could be very effective because we need help from our residents to prevent
these bloodsuckers from spreading any virus. Whatever we our sending out would be a very
informative message about the mosquitos and ways to prevent them from getting onto our
property. We could also recommend wearing long sleeves and pants around that time in the
message. This is what could help minimize liability of our company if someone does catch the
virus.

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 PHESCO International
LLC

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APPENDIX
INTRODUCTION

 Overview
 What is the Zika Virus?
o The website CDC provided many helpful and informative facts I could share on what the
Zika Virus is.
 Is New Mexico Safe?
o KOB4 and NMHEALTH were very helpful sources. I gained knowledge of New Mexico’s
past with the zika virus.

CRITERIA AND MYTHOLOGY

 Research Plan
o Step 1: Research Florida Outbreak
o Step 2: Research Past Outbreaks in New Mexico
o Step 3: Conclusion/Prevention

RECOMMENDATIONS

 Recommendation 1: Provide Mosquito Traps Around Property

 Recommendation 2: Providing Mosquito Repellent
 Recommendation 3: Having Signs, Emails, and Flyers Informing Residents

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REFERENCES/WORKS CITED
“Aedes Aegypti.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 18 Nov. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aedes_aegypti.

CBS. “Florida Has Seen 59 Zika Cases This Year.” CBS Miami, CBS Miami, 24 July 2018,
miami.cbslocal.com/2018/07/24/florida-has-seen-59-zika-cases-this-year/.

Jerga. “DynaTrap 1/2-Acre Coverage Decor Insect Trap -Copper.” QVC, 18 Oct. 2018,
www.qvc.com/qvc.product.H298024.html?colorId=000&sizeId=000&ref=GBA&cm_mmc=GOOGLESHOPPINGFEED-
_-GShopping%7CM%7CGeneric%7Chome%2Bimprovement-_-pla-_-suiQNbZMk%7Cdc_44906291947_pla-
491661920109__H298024-000-.

“OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent V, 6 Oz. (1 Ct).” Amazon, Amazon, www.amazon.com/OFF-Deep-
Woods-Insect-Repellent/dp/B000YJOMPG.

Potential Air Quality Impacts to Areas of Northern New Mexico, nmhealth.org/about/erd/ideb/zdp/zika/.

Staff, KOB Web. “Mosquitoes Capable of Transmitting Zika Virus Found in Albuquerque's Bosque.” KOB 4,
KOB, 16 Oct. 2018, www.kob.com/albuquerque-news/mosquitoes-capable-of-transmitting-zika-virus-found-in-
albuquerques-bosque/5110647/.

“Stop Mosquitos Flyer.” PHESCO International LLC, www.phesco.com/stop-mosquitos-flyer.html.

“The Best Mosquito Repellent for 2018.” Reviews.com, www.reviews.com/mosquito-repellent/.

“Zika Virus.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1
June 2018, www.cdc.gov/zika/about/index.html.

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