NEHA Vector Control and Pest Management 3

Question 1

What is the public health significance of Anopheles mosquitoes in the United States?

Accepted Answer

They are the vectors capable of transmitting malaria, though domestic transmission is rare

Answer

Anopheles mosquitoes are the vectors of Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria; while locally acquired malaria is rare in the US, Anopheles species are present and can transmit malaria imported by travelers.

Question 2

What is 'ultra-low volume (ULV)' spraying used for in adult mosquito control programs?

Accepted Answer

Dispersing very small droplets of pesticide at low application rates to contact flying adult mosquitoes

Answer

ULV spraying disperses extremely fine pesticide droplets (typically 1–50 microns) at very low volume rates so they remain airborne long enough to contact and kill flying adult mosquitoes.

Question 3

Which tick species is the primary vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in the eastern United States?

Accepted Answer

Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick)

Answer

Dermacentor variabilis, the American dog tick, is the primary vector of Rickettsia rickettsii, the causative agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, in the eastern and central United States.

Question 4

What is the role of a 'sentinel flock' in an arboviral disease surveillance program?

Accepted Answer

Captive chickens regularly bled and tested to detect arboviral activity in an area before human cases occur

Answer

Sentinel chicken flocks are maintained at fixed locations and regularly tested for antibodies to arboviruses such as West Nile virus, providing early warning of virus transmission activity in an area.

Question 5

What personal protective measure is recommended for preventing tick-borne disease during outdoor activities?

Accepted Answer

Applying EPA-registered repellents containing DEET or permethrin and conducting tick checks after outdoor activity

Answer

EPA-registered repellents containing DEET applied to skin and permethrin applied to clothing, combined with thorough post-activity tick checks and prompt tick removal, are the recommended personal protection measures.

NEHA - National Environmental Health Association Practice Test

NEHA - National Environmental Health Association Practice Test

NEHA Vector Control and Pest Management 3