Zachary.Downes@ocfl.net
PIO@ocfl.net
Orange County Mosquito Control Adds Faster Technology to Detect Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
QUÉ:
Orange County Mosquito Control is now able to detect mosquito-borne illnesses in the mosquito population faster after adding new testing technology to its laboratory, improving mosquito mitigation protocols while reducing costs and waiting times.
The new molecular testing capability uses PCR technology to look for the genetic material of specific viruses within mosquito samples. The highly sensitive method allows laboratory staff to determine whether mosquitoes collected through the Mosquito Control surveillance program are carrying certain mosquito-borne illnesses.
The staff can now test mosquitoes for:
- West Nile Virus
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus
- St. Louis Encephalitis Virus
- Dengue Virus – all four types
- virus del Zika
- Virus Chikungunya
"This new technology's biggest advantage is saving time," said Steve Harrison, manager for Orange County Mosquito Control. "Previously, we had to send samples outside of our laboratory. Now, we can potentially have results in the same day, which will lead to faster responses and mitigation efforts."
Members of the media are invited to Orange County Mosquito Control on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 9 a.m. to witness the new testing process and speak to Steve Harrison about how it will improve Mosquito Control efforts and protect the public health of Orange County. Please email Zach Downes at Zachary.downes@ocfl.net to coordinate a visit by end of the business day on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
DÓNDE:
Control del mosquitos del Condado de Orange
6330 Silver Star Road, Orlando, FL 31818
CUÁNDO:
Viernes 18 de septiembre de 2026
De 9 a.m. a 12 p.m.
OPORTUNIDADES DE FOTOGRAFÍA/VIDEO:
The new PCR testing system being used, the Mosquito Control laboratory, Laboratory staff working, Mosquito test samples,
OPORTUNIDAD DE ENTREVISTA:
Steve Harrison, gerente de Control de Mosquitos del Condado de Orange
Jose Colon-Muniz, Gerente del Programa de Control de Mosquitos del Condado de Orange (solicitudes en Español)
Conozca acerca del Gobierno del Condado de Orange:el Gobierno del Condado de Orange hace todo lo posible por servir a sus residentes y visitantes con integridad, honradez, imparcialidad y profesionalismo. Situado en la Florida Central, el Condado de Orange cuenta con 13 municipios y alberga a los parques temáticos más famosos del mundo, a uno de los centros de convenciones más grande del país y a un centro de investigación en ciencias biológicas. La Junta de Comisionados del Condado está conformada por siete miembros electos, entre los que se incluye el Alcalde, cuya elección es a nivel de todo el condado. Para mayor información visite www.OCFL.net o ingrese a los canales de medios sociales del Gobierno del Condado de Orange..