Discussing Vector-Borne Diseases with the CDC in San Juan

We are excited to share Tyler Lindskoog’s experience below, funded by Charlie’s Angels fund.

Over my 8 weeks in San Juan Puerto Rico, I was tasked with working with the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of Vector-Borne Diseases (DVBD) Dengue Branch (DB). I was tasked with reviewing literature on public policy options to promote dengue elimination in Puerto Rico. I have compiled the results and presentedthese findings to the dengue elimination working group. This group is made of epidemiologists, policy experts, and public health officials all over CDC who are united to answer the question, “How do we eliminate dengue in Puerto Rico by 2035?” In, brief I found that Screens reduce intradomicile dengue virus transmissions.

Environmental sanitation councils significantly reduce cases of arboviral diseases and with political and financial support, councils can be immediately implemented. Extended producer responsibility, and tire repurposing significantly reduces the number of waste end-of-life tires. However, producer push back, and logistic challenges may hamper this policy. Fines may be strong tools to reducing aedes breeding sites, however, further quantitative research is needed.This research is applicable not only to Puerto Rico but to the over 100 countries which combat Dengue infections every year. This experience sparked a passion for both public policy and vector borne disease. I am currently in the process of writing a proposal to use the work I completed over the course of these 8 weeks as the foundation for my Master of Public Health thesis.

During my time with Dengue Branch, I was able to see CDC’s commitment to diversity of training and thought in real time. As I worked on my project I collaborated with MD’s, DVM’s, entomologists, communication specialists, and other subject matter experts. Every discipline brings their own perspective and collaborating with all these experts has truly made my project better.  In addition, CDC has set a high bar for a workplace culture. Everyone I worked with, in my division and beyond have been welcoming, and encouraging. Every cold email I sent was met warmly and the recipient excited to share their experiences.

Finally, during my time off I went to several historic sites in San Juan to learn about the colonization and history that has shaped the trajectory of the island and its people.