Florida’s wealthier communities receive more effective mosquito control than poorer regions, according to a new analysis published in Urban Affairs Review. The study, co-led by Cornell public health expert Charley Willison, found that special mosquito districts—independent entities funded by local taxes—spend more and employ more specialized staff than county-run programs.
These districts often serve high-income areas with lower vulnerability to disease, raising concerns about public health equity. Meanwhile, many counties with no special districts lack the resources for effective mosquito surveillance or abatement. Researchers warn this could widen health disparities, especially as federal funding declines.
The team suggests reforms like expanding district boundaries or boosting county budgets to ensure broader access to mosquito control as climate change increases the threat of mosquito-borne illnesses.
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