The Atlas of Environmental Health was developed by Gaia Resources for the Environmental Health Hazards (EHH) Unit, Department of Health Western Australia.
The EHHU is a branch of the Public Health Division concerned with managing aspects of the natural and built environment that may affect the health of people in WA. This includes issues such as food safety, water quality, asbestos and other applied environmental hazards, tobacco control, safe chemical and pesticide use, mosquito and pest control, and other factors in the environment that may impact on human health.
The Medical Entomology branch within EHHU provides a coordinating role in the development and implementation of mosquito management programs in Western Australia. The Medical Entomology department serves as a 'centre of excellence' in mosquito control, offering expert advice and assistance, undertaking state-wide mosquito surveillance, conducting training and providing funds to affected Local Governments. The Medical Entomology team also assists in emergency situations where health driven mosquito control is necessary following significant environmental events. The overall aim of the Medical Entomology Team is to promote public health by minimising exposure to diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.
The Department of Health and Human Services works to achieve the best health, wellbeing and safety for all Victorians so that they can lead a life they value.
In response to the floods and increased mosquito numbers observed throughout summer of 2016-17, mosquito management activities were enhanced by: increasing flocks of sentinel chickens across Western, Central and Northern Victoria to detect early signs of mosquito-borne disease; expanding mosquito surveillance and control, including in twelve new councils, to reduce mosquito breeding; testing trapped mosquitoes for diseases including Ross River virus and Murray Valley encephalitis virus using cutting-edge techniques; investigating early signs of disease by reviewing the cause of illness in sick horses; and increasing community information through the Beat the Bite campaign.
The Atlas of Medical Entomology plays a vital role in recording and managing mosquito populations across Victoria.
This site was developed by Gaia Resources for the Western Australian Department of Health. Gaia Resources is a consultancy that responsibly delivers sustainable technology solutions to companies that work with the environment. For more information on Gaia Resources, visit their web site.