About Journey of the Germ
A mosquito emerges in the darkness of a San Gabriel Valley backyard. She is about to become the “rideshare” for a dangerous germ. Join the journey of West Nile virus as it moves from one infected host to another, carried by its insect transport. Fate is not yet set and is in the hands of nature and those who stand in the germ’s path.
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Why are disease outbreaks more common at certain times of the year and not others? How do mosquitoes, birds, people, and the environment all fit together to favor the spread of the germ and what happens below the surface and out of sight?
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Journey of the Germ is an animated and interactive video that details how West Nile virus is spread from host to host by a mosquito. The experience illustrates the surprising difference a few degrees in temperature can make in the spread of West Nile virus.
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Can something be done to stop the germ in its tracks? Follow the journey of the germ to find out!
Recommended for grades 4 - 12
Interested in the creation process of Journey of the Germ?
Details in our 2022 Entomological Society of America Presentation
Minimum Requirements
Journey of the Germ requires the following minimum requirements.
On Apple devices: At least iOS 11.0 or later
On Android devices: At least Android 11 or later
On the laptop/desktop browser:
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Chrome version 96.0 or later.
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Microsoft Edge version 96.0 or later
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Firefox version 94.0 or later
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Does not work on Apple’s Safari Browser
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Artwork by: Jung Kim, L.T. Vector Control Technician, San Gabriel Valley MVCD
Creators & Crew (Communications Department, San Gabriel Valley MVCD):
Carol Anne Hagele, Education Specialist, San Gabriel Valley MVCD
Kriztian Luna, MPH, M.Ed, Education Specialist, San Gabriel Valley MVCD
Levy Sun, MA, Former Director of Communications, San Gabriel Valley MVCD
Ally Gaspar, Outreach Assistant, San Gabriel Valley MVCD
Pablo Cabrera, Communications Specialist, San Gabriel Valley MVCD
Game Development by: Robot Sea Monster
Made possible, in part, by: A 2020 Chrysalis Grant from the Entomological Society of America
Scientific Consultants:
Kenn K. Fujioka, PhD, District Manager (Retired), San Gabriel Valley MVCD
Kenneth J. Linthicum, PhD, BCE, Center Director, USDA-Center for Medical, Agricultural & Veterinary Entomology
Sandra A. Allan, PhD, Research Entomologist, USDA-Center for Medical, Agricultural & Veterinary Entomology
Daniel Kline, PhD, Research Entomologist, USDA-Center for Medical, Agricultural & Veterinary Entomology
Whitney A. Qualls, PhD, Scientific Manager, Anastasia MCD
Melissa Doyle, MS, Former Director of Scientific Programs, San Gabriel Valley MVCD
Tyler D. Pohlenz, PhD candidate, Texas A&M University, Dept. of Entomology
Additional Thanks to:
Residents of the San Gabriel Valley
San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District Board of Trustees
Jared Dever, Former District Manager, San Gabriel Valley MVCD