AMCA Unveils ‘I’m One’ West Nile Virus Awareness Program

MOUNT LAUREL, NJ – The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) will host its 74th Annual Meeting, March 2-6, 2008, at John Ascuaga’s Nugget in Sparks, Nev. At this meeting, AMCA will introduce a new initiative to raise awareness of the human toll exacted by West Nile virus.

“Disease statistics are but pale shadows of the very real human experience of this devastating disease. This is not a benign disease, to be taken lightly,” said Joseph M. Conlon, technical advisor to the AMCA. Indeed, since 1999 upwards of 27,000 cases of West Nile Virus, with nearly 11,000 cases of neuroinvasive disease and 1,000 fatalities have occurred in the United States, the world’s most advanced nation.

The “I’m One” program is designed to emphasize that West Nile disease has a human face, suffered by flesh and blood individuals and their families. Its primary element consists of a 30 second public service announcement entitled “I’m One” depicting actual West Nile victims and describing the effects of the disease upon their lives. The “I’m One” video will be shown to conference attendees the morning of Monday, March 3, 2008 during the plenary session, with a brief explanation of program components. In addition, DVD copies of the video will be made available to all attendees and media. Downloadable copies will also be made available upon request through the AMCA webpage at www.mosquito.org after the meeting.

The American Mosquito Control Association is an international, scientific association dedicated to providing leadership, information, and education leading to the enhancement of health and quality of life through the suppression of mosquitoes and other vector transmitted diseases. Founded in 1935, membership extends to more than 35 countries, and includes individuals and public agencies engaged in mosquito control, mosquito research and related activities.

For more information about the “I’m One” program, the AMCA or the 74th Annual Meeting, contact: 15000 Commerce Parkway, Suite C, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054; phone: 856-439-9222; fax: 856-439-0525; email: amca@mosquito.org or visit the Web site at www.mosquito.org.