HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0162) M&C 21-0433City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 06/22/21 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 21-0433
LOG NAME: 23DFWENVIROM ENTALHEALTH\WNV MOSQUITO SURVEILLANCE 2021
SUBJECT
(ALL) Authorize Execution of a Services Agreement with DFW Environmental Health Services, LLC for West Nile Virus Mosquito Surveillance and
Consulting in an Amount Not to Exceed $150,000.00 Per Year and Authorize Four Annual Renewal Options
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the execution of a services agreement with DFW Environmental Health Services, LLC to
continue the City's mosquito surveillance effort to reduce the risk of human exposure to the West Nile Virus in an amount not to exceed
$150,000.00 per year and authorize four annual renewal options.
DISCUSSION:
Since 2009, the City discontinued its mosquito surveillance program which systematically collected mosquito samples in Fort Worth for further
testing by Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH). Because of budgetary reasons and the historic low risk to human exposure to viruses that cause
West Nile Virus, Zika, and Chikungunya the mosquito surveillance program was eliminated.
In 2012, during the West Nile Virus epidemic, Tarrant County Public Health reported a total of 81 human cases and 4 deaths due to West Nile
Virus (WNV) in Fort Worth. In several subsequent years the city experienced a low virus activity; but in 2020 mosquitoes infected with WNV
reached an all-time high — reference table below:
Year Positive WNV Mosquito
Samples
2012 16
2013
2014 1 38
2016 1 102
2017 62
2018 48
2019 8
2020 135
Source: Code Compliance and Tarrant County Public Health
Confirmed WNV Human
Cases
81
10
16
4
Since 2013 increased mosquito surveillance through the city's partnership with Dr. Joon Lee of the University of North Texas Health Science has
undoubtedly increased the significance of the city's citizen response as staff has been able to educate the community on how to prevent mosquito
borne diseases as well as target the areas of high virus activity with public education, larvicide, and targeted mosquito spray missions. All of that,
in an effort to reduce the risk of human exposure to mosquito viruses. Moreover, heightened public concerns about emerging mosquito borne
diseases such as Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue are likely to increase, pushing the demand for sustainable mosquito surveillance, supplemental
testing and focused community outreach program.
The 2021 WNV response plan and activities includes a services agreement between the City and DFW Environmental Health Services LLC, a
corporation founded by Dr. Joon Lee. This agreement will not exceed $150,000.00. It addresses the need for a sustainable mosquito surveillance
program and continues evidence -based WNV and other mosquito borne disease responses. A summary of the scope of work that Dr. Lee will
provide is highlighted below:
Mosquito Surveillance - (Trapping and processing of mosquitoes) DFW Environmental Health Services LLC as our provider will be
responsible for conducting mosquito surveillance activities and reporting outcome of the activities to the City on a weekly basis for proper
response;
Mosquito Sample Data - (Analysis and reporting) DFW Environmental Health Services LLC as our provider will be responsible for the
analysis and reporting of the mosquito sample results to the City for proper response; and
Supplemental West Nile Virus Laboratory Testing -The City will continue the partnership with the TCPH (Lab). DFW Environmental Health
Services LLC will be responsible for working with the laboratory to have the mosquitoes tested as needed.
Business Equity: A waiver of the goal for M/WBE subcontracting requirement is approved by the Office of Business Diversity, in accordance with
the M/WBE or BDE Ordinance, because the purchase of goods or services is from sources where subcontracting or supplier opportunities are
negligible.
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that funds are available in the current operating budget, as previously appropriated, in the General Fund to
support the approval of the above recommendation and authorization of the agreement. Prior to any expenditure being incurred, the Code
Compliance Department has the responsibility to validate the availability of funds.
Submitted for City Manager's Office by: Valerie Washington 6199
Originating Business Unit Head: Brandon Bennett 6322
Additional Information Contact: David B. Carson 6336