Less Talk and More Action -- Protecting Seniors Against West Nile Virus

In October 2012, Yavapai County Environmental Health instituted a new, cost-effective approach to protect seniors from exposure to the West Nile virus by ensuring all open windows and doors at home are properly screened to keep mosquitos out. With a focus on those that are likely to be physically or financially stressed, health officials worked with the Verde Valley, Sedona, and Black Canyon City Senior Centers to help identify and assist Meals-on-Wheels clients in need of simple window and door screening repairs. Exteriors of potential client homes were quickly surveyed for screen replacements and minor spot repairs. A local home improvement store provided the Yavapai County Health Department with a discount on the materials needed for return visits to install replacement screens.

This program aims to protect seniors against West Nile virus exposure.

This project was conceived in September and carried out during the month of October. Overnight temperatures are still in the fifties until November, when exposure risk to biting mosquitoes begins to decline. Of the 63 homes that were identified with screen problems, only 7 required affixing an adhesive screen patch or properly reinstalling existing screens that were previously taken down.

Screen replacement was necessary at 54 residences. The average cost per residence where work was necessary was $14.06 (before discount) in supplies. The partnering local home improvement store provided a 45% discount on purchases. Average staff labor time per residence was 1.5 hours.

The objective to assist approximately 150 Meals-on-Wheels clients before the end of October was met.