Purpose
- State and local health departments can use this toolkit to communicate about local outbreaks of West Nile virus.
- When an outbreak occurs, it is essential to implement clear and rapid communication with other response activities, such as mosquito control.
About the toolkit
The West Nile Virus (WNV) Outbreak Communications Toolkit was developed by CDC for state and local health departments to adapt and use in local communication about WNV outbreaks.
WNV is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the contiguous United States, yet no licensed vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat WNV are available. Each year, WNV cases occur across the United States with periodic outbreaks that are large and unpredictable. Additionally, data indicate that people do not consistently practice recommended personal protective behaviors, such as using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent, to prevent mosquito bites.
When an outbreak occurs, it is essential to implement clear and rapid communication with other response activities, such as mosquito control. This helps local communities know their risk, what they can do to protect themselves and their loved ones, and what local authorities are doing.
Download the PDF version
What's included
Outlined in the toolkit are key messages, potential communication platforms, tips for engaging with the media and providing clear information, and several materials and templates that can be downloaded or tailored to fit the local context.
Communicating during outbreaks
Six key principles
The principles of crisis and emergency risk communication help responders and leaders better reach people with lifesaving information about disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies.
Potential partners
- Healthcare facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, dialysis centers, community health clinics, federally qualified health centers
- Large employers in the area, local chapters of professional organizations
- Mosquito control programs
- Community organizations, such as
- Faith-based organizations
- HOAs and neighborhood associations
- Outdoor recreation groups (e.g., golf clubs, sport leagues, hiking groups)
- Gardening associations
- Senior centers
- Social clubs (e.g., Lions Club, Kiwanis, etc.)
- Government organizations, such as
- City Council
- County Management Official
- Mayor's Office
- Police and Fire Department
- Parks and Recreation Department
- Local media outlets, including weather
- Administrators of social media groups for people
Platforms
Health department or environmental services
Website
In addition to disease and prevention information, consider posting weekly surveillance and mosquito control information.
Text messaging
Opt-in text messaging services can be used to notify residents of spray events or send prevention information.
Mobile app
Mobile apps for providers can be used to send timely notifications.
Social media
Routine postings on channels such as X, Instagram, and Facebook throughout the season can be adapted depending on current events (e.g., recent rains or positive mosquito pools).
NextDoor
Posts on NextDoor can be tailored to specific neighborhoods for updates on spraying or surveillance.
Yard and road signs
Many jurisdictions post yard signs in areas where positive mosquito pools have been found or when spraying will take place. Highway road signs can also be leveraged to warn about current WNV cases. This may be a more cost effective and faster to deploy than traditional billboards.
Community events
Events like farmers markets or festivals provide opportunities for communities to learn about mosquito control and disease prevention.
School-based programs
One-off school presentations or routine school programs can boost community understanding of mosquito control efforts and disease risk.
News media
Press release
Press releases can be used to announce key surveillance events like first positive mosquito pool or human case and reinforce prevention.
Letter to the editor
Letters to the editor written by government officials or families affected by WNV can provide a powerful storytelling opportunity.
Partner communications
Periodic emails with timely surveillance, control, and prevention information can complement other outreach efforts. Engagement (opens and link clicks) can also be tracked to inform strategic adaptation.
Presentations
Targeted outreach to groups such as HOAs, city councils, and community organizations can include presentations by health department or mosquito control experts. This provides a forum for community stakeholders to learn more and ask questions.
Print materials
Share materials with community partners for dissemination, like door hangers to HOAs, pocket cards to hospitals, or bookmarks to libraries.