ABSTRACT
Public health entomologists (PHEs) are an important component of a properly functioning health agency, especially regarding vector-borne disease monitoring and surveillance. In order to prevent/manage vector-borne diseases, a health agency must first of all ascertain: (1) what diseases are present in the area, (2) what is the vector(s), (3) when vectors are in highest numbers (seasonality), and (4) infection rates within those vectors. Various surveillance types include blood sampling of sentinel birds and wild birds, human case surveillance, and mosquito, tick, and other vector surveillance. Mosquito traps include a variety of devices aimed at collecting eggs, larvae, and adults for both population estimates and disease agent testing. This chapter explores the role of a PHE in vector-borne disease monitoring, habitat mapping, and record keeping.
