WHEREAS, mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, yellow fever, West Nile virus, Zika virus, and other forms of arboviral encephalitis, have been a source of human and animal suffering, illness, and death in the United States and throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, excessive mosquito populations can diminish the public's enjoyment of outdoor spaces, parks, and playgrounds, hinder outdoor work activities, reduce livestock productivity, and negatively impact property values; and

WHEREAS, effective and environmentally responsible mosquito control efforts are essential to protecting public health and quality of life, and it is important to promote education, collaboration, and communication among Virginia's mosquito control professionals to strengthen mosquito control operations across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Mosquito Control Association serves as a vital resource for advancing communication, professional development, and public education to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of mosquito control efforts throughout Virginia; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Health collaborates with state agencies, local governments, and community organizations to raise public awareness about the prevention of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses, while encouraging the elimination of mosquito breeding habitats in residential communities; and

WHEREAS, continued partnership among individuals, organizations, local health departments, mosquito control agencies, and the Virginia Department of Health is critical to reducing the impact of mosquito-borne diseases and safeguarding the health and well-being of Virginians;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize June 21–27, 2026, as NATIONAL MOSQUITO CONTROL AWARENESS WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.