× The federal government has shut down due to the failures of the President and Congress to continue government funding. Millions of Californians receiving benefits from state programs may be impacted. For now, California’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will continue to provide services and enroll eligible families as long as funding is available. No new federal funding to California WIC will be provided until the President and Congress take action. Families should continue to use their WIC benefits and attend their WIC appointments. This information is subject to change, so please monitor the California WIC website for updates.

Please be wary of potential highly partisan political messaging while visiting federal government websites for information related to the federal government shutdown.

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Vector-Borne Disease Section

The Vector-Borne Disease Section (VBDS) protects the health and well-being of Californians from diseases transmitted to people from insects and other animals. VBDS conducts prevention, surveillance, and control of vector-borne diseases, including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, plague, Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and other tick-borne and mosquito-borne diseases.

VBDS staff, located in three regional offices and headquartered in Sacramento, provide the following services:

  • Develop and implement statewide vector-borne disease surveillance, prevention, and control programs
  • Design and conduct scientific investigations to further knowledge of vector-borne diseases in California
  • Coordinate preparedness activities for detection and response to introduced vectors and vector-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus
  • Conduct emergency vector control when disease outbreaks occur
  • Advise local agencies on public health issues related to vector-borne diseases
  • Oversee local vector control agency activities through a Cooperative Agreement
  • Oversee the Vector Control Technician Certification and Continuing Education programs
  • Provide information, training, and educational materials to governmental agencies and the public
  • Provide assistance in coordinating issues related to the management of head lice, bed bugs, and other public health pests
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