1. Community Health Concerns

Georgia is predominantly faced with the risk of mosquito related infections due to the numerous viruses that are breed by mosquitos. These viruses are still in circulation in Georgia and they have the potential to cause human and animal diseases (Georgia.Gov, 2017). Here are the most pronounced mosquito viruses that Georgia has had to contend with over the years:

· LaCrosse

· Eastern equine encephalitis

· West Nile

The mosquito viruses are assessed as being very active during early the Georgia early fall season. The viruses are capable of infecting humans and animals such as horses, birds and other types of animals. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) any reports of infected horses or birds in Georgia or the presence of large mosquito numbers could be an indication of greater risks of getting infected as well (Georgia.Gov, 2017). Georgia residents are advised to take protective measures aimed at alleviating the chances of getting bitten by a mosquito (Georgia.Gov, 2017). The risks are even higher when mosquito breed viruses are identified in an area.

Protective measures

The people of Georgia are actively advised by GDPH to prefer products that have been certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as safe mosquito repellants for application on clothes and the skin (Georgia.Gov, 2017). The products containing IR3535, DEET, lemon eucalyptus oil, Para methane diol, and picaridin are recommended for having a lasting protective impact (Georgia.Gov, 2017). The EPA standards safeguard product users from any adverse effects if the product is used according to prescription.

Travellers, more so, the pregnant women are cautioned by GDPH to be extra cautious against mosquito bites when travelling in regions known to have Zika virus. Women anticipating pregnancy are cautioned not to travel in high risk areas, especially so, where Zika virus is concerned.

2. Current environmental risk assessment methods which apply to public health issues

The mission of GDPH is to offer primary prevention measures by integrating surveillance work, education programs, enforcement measures and programs for assessment aimed at identifying, preventing and alleviating the conditions likely to negatively affect human health (Georgia.Gov, 2017b). GDPH carries out inspections on foods, motels and hotels and pools to ensure that safety and health standards are upheld. Information on inspections and scores can be found on this link https://dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health-inspections (Georgia.Gov, 2017c).

GDPH has a comprehensive waste water management system. GDPH issues certification for installers and pumpers of septic tanks, portable sanitation... There are prescribed regulations that govern the institutions responsible for the management of waste, sewage, water towers and pools. The occasional surveillance initiatives conducted by the Georgia environmental inspectors guarantee compliance with set standards (Georgia.Gov, 2017c).
Georgia Mosquito Control Association (GMCA)

GMCA is mandated with protecting the people of Georgia and animals from vector breed infections (Georgia Mosquito Control Association, 2015). The entity alleviates the disturbing mosquito levels and improves the livelihoods of people both indoors and outdoors. GMCA responds to any registered complaints and handles any mosquito virus outbreaks without causing any major environmental disturbances (Georgia Mosquito Control Association, 2015). The vision of GMCA is to improve life quality for the people of Georgia through enhanced and cohesive mosquito management programs (Georgia Mosquito Control Association, 2015). The mission is to offer leadership, education and information aimed at enhancing life quality for Georgia citizens through enhanced mosquito management systems.

GMCA purpose:

· To advance the mosquito control agenda in Georgia

· Respond to community interests with respect to mosquito control

· Release information regarding mosquitos to the members and Georgia residents through meetings and publications

· Uphold common efforts and interests through coordination of mosquito control activities throughout Georgia.

· Keep an update on current developments in techniques and products used for mosquito control

GMCA collects information with respect to all mosquito species found in Georgia and classifies them. Further GMCA identifies the nuisance mosquito species by studying the biological makeup of the species such as: mosquito host preferences, biting time, generations, larval habitat, sibling species, adult collection methods and flight range etc. (Georgia Mosquito Control Association, 2018). Generally GMCA gathers all the information regarding the various mosquito species in Georgia and the risks involved with every mosquito species.

GMCA also offers training and certification programs for control products commercial applicators. The applicators must get category 41 certificates before dealing in control products (Georgia Mosquito Control Association, 2014). GMCA also keeps and updated fact sheet on mosquito breed viruses such as Dengue, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis, Zika virus and Malaria. GMCA also conducts emergency surveillance undertakings with an objective of understanding the threats that come from technological hazard, natural disaster, civil emergency, community disorder, enemy attack, insurgency, resource shortage or manmade…