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DISASTER PREPAREDNESS FACT SHEETS
Refer to Official Information; Use only EPA-Registered Mosquito Repellents and Devices
The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS), along with partner agencies, continue efforts to mitigate the spread of the dengue virus on Guam.
To date, there remain eight confirmed cases of locally acquired dengue infection and four confirmed cases of imported dengue infection. With the enhanced surveillance and continued timely reporting by Guam healthcare providers, DPHSS expects additional cases of dengue will be detected.
Those who have been diagnosed with the dengue virus are no longer infectious to mosquitoes once their fever has passed. These individuals, however, remain part of the overall count for consistency. Mosquito avoidance is still recommended for everyone in Guam.
Refer to Official Sources for Information
The Joint Information Center (JIC) is aware of unverified social media posts and WhatsApp messages relating to additional unconfirmed cases of the dengue virus. The community is reminded to only share official, verified information from the JIC to help stop the spread of misinformation. To view the latest, visithttps://ghs.guam.gov/.
The community is also invited to the following informational briefings, open to all, for official information on dengue:
Use of EPA-Registered Mosquito Repellents and Devices
The Guam Environmental Protection Agency (Guam EPA) Pesticides Enforcement Program (PEP) cautions the community to use pesticides and repellents that are EPA-Registered and EPA-Established, or meet all six conditions for exemption under section 25(b) of the Federal Insecticide Fungicide Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). For the protection and safety of the consumer, any product that states a claim to prevent, kill, destroy or repel pests or insects is subject to stringent federal and local law.
The Guam EPA PEP also reminds the community that all parties intending to import pesticide and repellent products and devices into the island must submit a Notice of Arrival (NOA) with the agency, prior to the arrival of shipment. A NOA is a legal document that is tendered by
The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS), along with partner agencies, continue efforts to mitigate the spread of the dengue virus on Guam.
To date, there remain eight confirmed cases of locally acquired dengue infection and four confirmed cases of imported dengue infection. With the enhanced surveillance and continued timely reporting by Guam healthcare providers, DPHSS expects additional cases of dengue will be detected.
Those who have been diagnosed with the dengue virus are no longer infectious to mosquitoes once their fever has passed. These individuals, however, remain part of the overall count for consistency. Mosquito avoidance is still recommended for everyone in Guam.
Refer to Official Sources for Information
The Joint Information Center (JIC) is aware of unverified social media posts and WhatsApp messages relating to additional unconfirmed cases of the dengue virus. The community is reminded to only share official, verified information from the JIC to help stop the spread of misinformation. To view the latest, visithttps://ghs.guam.gov/.
The community is also invited to the following informational briefings, open to all, for official information on dengue:
- Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at 6 p.m. - Liguan Elementary School
- Thursday, October 3, 2019 at 6 p.m. - B.P. Carbullido Elementary School
- Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at 6 p.m. - Merizo Elementary School
Use of EPA-Registered Mosquito Repellents and Devices
The Guam Environmental Protection Agency (Guam EPA) Pesticides Enforcement Program (PEP) cautions the community to use pesticides and repellents that are EPA-Registered and EPA-Established, or meet all six conditions for exemption under section 25(b) of the Federal Insecticide Fungicide Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). For the protection and safety of the consumer, any product that states a claim to prevent, kill, destroy or repel pests or insects is subject to stringent federal and local law.
The Guam EPA PEP also reminds the community that all parties intending to import pesticide and repellent products and devices into the island must submit a Notice of Arrival (NOA) with the agency, prior to the arrival of shipment. A NOA is a legal document that is tendered by
pesticide and repellent product importers, for the sole purpose of collecting critical information concerning the importation and consignment of these types of products.
“We are aware of the pesticide and repellent supply challenges that local retailers and distributors are facing as the community becomes more proactive in reducing the transmission of dengue through the sudden and increased use of these products,” said Guam EPA Administrator Walter S. Leon Guerrero. “In light of the recent dengue cases, I have directed our pesticides enforcement program to process all NOAs with a same day turn around so that supply challenges can be addressed,” Leon Guerrero added.
Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency has also been directed to permit mosquito repellents and devices that may arrive with passengers at the A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority. These items must be for personal use only.
The process of registering a pesticide is a scientific, legal, and administrative procedure that evaluates the ingredients of the pesticide, areas where it is to be used, the amount, frequency, and timing of its use, and its storage and disposal practices. Additionally, an examination into the pesticide’s potential human and environmental health effects is made to develop risk assessments associated with harm to humans, wildlife, fish, plants, non-targeted organisms, surface and groundwater.
When considering a pesticide or repellent, Guam EPA urges the community to look for the following on the product: EPA-Registration Number, EPA-Establishment Number, product labeling in English, active and inactive ingredients expressed in percentage (%).
In accordance with 10 GCA §50111, Guam EPA may seize, stop the sale of and remove a pesticide or device that has been determined to be found in violation of the Guam Pesticides Act.
“Guam EPA remains committed to ensuring that pesticides and repellents activity is held in strict adherence with federal and local laws for the protection of human and environmental health,” Leon Guerrero further stated.
Vector Transmission
Mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites. Once a mosquito is infected with the dengue virus, it will remain infected for life. A mosquito lifespan is up to 30 days.
Importance of Vector Control
Mosquitoes that spread dengue virus bite from dusk to dawn. All Guam residents and visitors are encouraged to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, which are primarily artificial containers that hold water where mosquitoes lay eggs. Any items that hold stagnant water around homes should be emptied to reduce mosquito breeding sites. The community can help stop the spread of dengue virus by avoiding mosquito bites.
“We are aware of the pesticide and repellent supply challenges that local retailers and distributors are facing as the community becomes more proactive in reducing the transmission of dengue through the sudden and increased use of these products,” said Guam EPA Administrator Walter S. Leon Guerrero. “In light of the recent dengue cases, I have directed our pesticides enforcement program to process all NOAs with a same day turn around so that supply challenges can be addressed,” Leon Guerrero added.
Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency has also been directed to permit mosquito repellents and devices that may arrive with passengers at the A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority. These items must be for personal use only.
The process of registering a pesticide is a scientific, legal, and administrative procedure that evaluates the ingredients of the pesticide, areas where it is to be used, the amount, frequency, and timing of its use, and its storage and disposal practices. Additionally, an examination into the pesticide’s potential human and environmental health effects is made to develop risk assessments associated with harm to humans, wildlife, fish, plants, non-targeted organisms, surface and groundwater.
When considering a pesticide or repellent, Guam EPA urges the community to look for the following on the product: EPA-Registration Number, EPA-Establishment Number, product labeling in English, active and inactive ingredients expressed in percentage (%).
In accordance with 10 GCA §50111, Guam EPA may seize, stop the sale of and remove a pesticide or device that has been determined to be found in violation of the Guam Pesticides Act.
“Guam EPA remains committed to ensuring that pesticides and repellents activity is held in strict adherence with federal and local laws for the protection of human and environmental health,” Leon Guerrero further stated.
Vector Transmission
Mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites. Once a mosquito is infected with the dengue virus, it will remain infected for life. A mosquito lifespan is up to 30 days.
Importance of Vector Control
Mosquitoes that spread dengue virus bite from dusk to dawn. All Guam residents and visitors are encouraged to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, which are primarily artificial containers that hold water where mosquitoes lay eggs. Any items that hold stagnant water around homes should be emptied to reduce mosquito breeding sites. The community can help stop the spread of dengue virus by avoiding mosquito bites.
Prevention
- Prevent dengue by avoiding mosquito bites.
- Wearing light colored long sleeved shirts and long pants, and using mosquito repellent can reduce your chances of being bitten by mosquitoes.
Use Insect Repellent
- Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone.
- When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Always follow the product label instructions.
- Reapply insect repellent as directed.
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- - Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
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- - If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first, and insect repellent second.
For infants and children
- Always follow instructions when applying insect repellent to children.
- Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months old. o Instead, dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs. o Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
- Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children under 3 years old.
- Do not apply insect repellent onto a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, and cuts, or irritated skin. o Adults: Spray insect repellent onto your hands and then apply to a child’s face.
For more information, visit https://ghs.guam.gov/,or contact the Department of Public Health and Social Services, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (671) 735-0124. If there is an emergency, dial 911.
