Journey of the Germ

The image features an animated scene titled "Journey of the Germ," with colorful germs, a bird, and plants in a garden setting.

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. 

​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? 

​Journey of the Germ is an animated, interactive video that shows how West Nile virus is spread from host to host by a mosquito vector. The experience illustrates the surprising difference a few degrees in temperature can make in the spread of West Nile virus.

​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

The image depicts a stylized illustration of a mosquito, highlighting its anatomy and features.

Follow the
Journey of the Germ

Explore the interactive educational experience by following one of the links:

Web Version

For Android

For Apple

Teacher Resources

Adding Journey of the Germ to your curriculum? Here are some helpful resources:

Teacher Guide & NGSS-alignment

West Nile Virus Information (California)

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:

  1. Chrome version 96.0 or later.
  2. Microsoft Edge version 96.0 or later
  3. Firefox version 94.0 or later
  4. Does not work on Apple’s Safari Browser

Acknowledgements

Artwork by: Jung Kim Ma, Assistant Vector Ecologist, San Gabriel Valley MVCD

Creators & Crew (Communications Department, San Gabriel Valley MVCD):

  • Carol Anne Hagele, MS, 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, Former PhD candidate, Texas A&M University, Dept. of Entomology; Currently Biological Scientist, USDA APHIS Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab

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