\n\t\t\t\t\t15 September, 2026\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMedia Contact:
\nZachary.Downes@ocfl.net
\nPIO@ocfl.net
\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/26.01_OC-Logo-V-Color.png\"){kind=logo}
WHAT:
Orange County Mosquito Control is now able to detect mosquito-borne illnesses in the mosquito population faster after adding new testing technology to its laboratory, improving mosquito mitigation protocols while reducing costs and waiting times.<\/p>\n
The new molecular testing capability uses PCR technology to look for the genetic material of specific viruses within mosquito samples. The highly sensitive method allows laboratory staff to determine whether mosquitoes collected through the Mosquito Control surveillance program are carrying certain mosquito-borne illnesses.<\/p>\n
The staff can now test mosquitoes for:<\/p>\n
West Nile Virus
\nEastern Equine Encephalitis Virus
\nSt. Louis Encephalitis Virus
\nDengue Virus \u2013 all four types
\nZika Virus
\nChikungunya Virus<\/p>\n
\u201cThis new technology\u2019s biggest advantage is saving time,\u201d said Steve Harrison, manager for Orange County Mosquito Control. \u201cPreviously, we had to send samples outside of our laboratory. Now, we can potentially have results in the same day, which will lead to faster responses and mitigation efforts.\u201d<\/p>\n
Members of the media are invited to Orange County Mosquito Control on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 9 a.m. to witness the new testing process and speak to Steve Harrison about how it will improve Mosquito Control efforts and protect the public health of Orange County. Please email Zach Downes at Zachary.downes@ocfl.net<\/a> to coordinate a visit by end of the business day on Thursday, September 17, 2026.<\/p>\n WHERE: WHEN: PHOTO\/VIDEO OPPORTUNITIES: INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY: About Orange County Government:\u00a0Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation\u2019s largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit\u00a0www.OCFL.net<\/a>\u00a0or go to\u00a0Orange County Government\u2019s social media channels<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Orange County Mosquito Control
6330 Silver Star Road, Orlando, FL 31818<\/p>\n
Friday, September 18, 2026
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.<\/p>\n
The new PCR testing system being used, the Mosquito Control laboratory, Laboratory staff working, Mosquito test samples,<\/p>\n
Steve Harrison, Manager, Orange County Mosquito Control
Jose Colon-Muniz, Program Manager, Orange County Mosquito Control (Spanish requests)<\/p>\n