FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AMCA WORKS TO RAISE AWARENESS DURING “MOSQUITO WEEK”
Final Week in June Designated National Mosquito Control Awareness Week 2008
MOUNT LAUREL, NJ, April 1, 2008 – The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) has declared the week of June 22 – 28 as National Mosquito Control Awareness Week 2008. Now in its twelfth year, AMCA’s “Mosquito Week” educates the general public about the significance of mosquitoes in their daily lives and the important service provided by mosquito control workers throughout the United States and worldwide.
Mosquitoes cause more human suffering than any other organism, with more than one million people dying from mosquito-borne diseases every year. Not only can mosquitoes carry diseases that afflict humans, they also transmit several diseases and parasites that dogs and horses are very susceptible to.
To raise awareness of the association and the work of mosquito control professionals in the eye of the public, Gary Clark, former president of AMCA, drafted a resolution in 1997 calling for “Mosquito Week.” National Mosquito Control Awareness Week is observed annually in June, the week which includes June 26 in honor of the founding of AMCA in 1935.
While nationally observed, the scope of activities for “Mosquito Week” is determined by local agencies based on need of the community. Displays, lectures, demonstrations, and educational programs for children are just a few of the events which will focus on mosquitoes as disease carriers and pests. Information on the mosquito life cycle and tips on how to eliminate mosquito egg-laying sites around homes will help citizens reduce the numbers of mosquitoes in their own neighborhoods.
AMCA is proud to sponsor National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, and encourages citizens to get involved during “Mosquito Week.” For information about mosquitoes or to find out about a mosquito control association or district near you, visit the AMCA Web site, www.mosquito.org.
ABOUT AMCA
The American Mosquito Control Association is an international, scientific association of more than 1,600 public health professionals dedicated to preserving the public’s health and well-being through safe, environmentally sound mosquito control. Founded in 1935, membership extends to more than 50 countries, and includes individuals and public agencies engaged in mosquito control, mosquito research and related activities.
For more information about AMCA or National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, 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.
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CONTACT:
Joseph Conlon
Technical Advisor
Phone: (904) 215-3008
Cell: (904) 874-0734
E-mail: amcata@bellsouth.net