OFF!® and Google Cloud Bring Mosquito Population Forecasting Model to Brazil
SÃO PAULO, February 13, 2023 – SC Johnson and OFF!®, one of SC Johnson’s leading insect repellent brands, have partnered with Google Cloud and Climate Engine to create a model that predicts mosquito populations up to seven days in advance, based on mosquito biology. Launched in the U.S. in May 2022, OFF!Cast™ Mosquito Forecast is now publicly available in Brazil, and allows people to get their local mosquito forecast as easily as their local weather forecast. Combining knowledge of a mosquito’s lifecycle and detailed weather data, a forecast is generated to help Brazilians protect themselves from both the nuisance of mosquitoes and the dangers of mosquito-borne diseases.
“Prevention is the best form of protection against mosquitoes and the potential diseases they carry,” said Dr. Tom Mascari, SC Johnson entomologist. “With OFF!Cast™ Mosquito Forecast, we’re putting education at the forefront to help consumers understand the mosquito populations in their area and use this information to plan ahead to help prevent mosquito bites.”
As a pioneer in personal insect repellents for more than 60 years, SC Johnson is proud of the proven effectiveness of its products. The SC Johnson Center for Insect Science and Family Health is one the world’s leading entomology research centers, studying science of insect biology, insect-borne disease prevention and effective product solutions for consumers. The science behind brands like OFF! is grounded in knowledge from entomologists who specialize in researching insects to help improve family health and underscore SC Johnson’s mission to help prevent mosquito borne diseases such as Zika, Chikunguna, Dengue and Malaria. Over the past decade, academics, scientists, and NGOs have used Google Earth Engine and its data to make meaningful progress on climate research, natural resource protection, carbon emissions reduction, and other sustainability goals.
Through the development of this technology, OFF!® and Google Cloud aim to help educate the population about mosquito incidence and prevention before they happen, which is a critical step in hindering the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. “At Google Cloud, we believe the technology can drive innovation that directly and positively impacts peoples’ lives,” said Maurício Craveiro, healthcare sales manager at Google Cloud Brazil. “OFF!Cast™ Mosquito Forecast is a great example on how technology can make essential information accessible in order to help prevent the spread of diseases, creating a pathway for a more preventive and informed healthcare.”
How OFF!Cast™ Mosquito Forecast Works
The OFF!Cast™ Mosquito Forecast is the result of multiple data sources coming together to provide consumers with an accurate view of mosquito activity. To create the forecast, OFF! developed a secure and production-scale Google Cloud Platform environment and tapped into Google Earth Engine. First, Google Earth Engine extracts billions of individual weather data points. Then, an algorithm co-developed with the SC Johnson Center for Insect Science and Family Health and Climate Engine experts, translates that weather data into relevant mosquito information. Finally, the collected information is inserted into the model and distilled into a color-coded, seven-day forecast of mosquito populations. The model is applied to the lifecycle of a mosquito, starting from when it lays eggs to when it could bite a human.
Insect Repellent Usage Habits in Brazil
OFF!Cast™ Mosquito Forecast is launching in Brazil during peak summer months with high heat and humidity, both of which can increase mosquito populations among communities. According to a recent SC Johnson survey on habits of Brazilians regarding the use of repellents**, 85% of respondents said they are always worried about mosquito-borne diseases. Other highlights from the survey include:
• 3 out of 4 people are annoyed by the presence of insects.*
• 46% of people interviewed said that they research the presence of mosquitoes at their destination before traveling.*
• 51% of people cancel travel plans or going on tours, when they know there may be a high presence of mosquitoes in the area.*
• 52% of people have had a trip or tour seriously hindered by the presence of mosquitoes.*
• More than half of the respondents would consult websites daily or frequently for information on the presence of mosquitoes (51%) and of the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases (54%).*
To check out the OFF!Cast™ Mosquito Forecast in the U.S., visit https://off.com/en/mosquitoforecast
To check out the OFF!Cast™ Mosquito Forecast in Brazil., visit https://linhaoff.com.br/pt-br/previsao-de-mosquitos
ABOUT OFF! ®
OFF!® is a pioneer in personal insect repellents for over 60 years. As one of SC Johnson's leading pest control brands, OFF!® is on a mission to make life better for the next generation. In addition to providing protection against mosquitoes, OFF!® is a part of SC Johnson's mission to develop mosquito prevention programs and supports scientific studies on mosquitoes that help make a difference in millions of lives. OFF!® is proud to create products with proven effectiveness that repel mosquitoes, so families can have a trusted line of protection. No matter the activity or time indoors and outdoors, there is an OFF! product for every occasion. OFF!® product offerings include: OFF!® Active Spray and Lotion; OFF!® Kids Lotion; OFF!® Baby Lotion; OFF!® Family Care Spray, Lotion and Aerosol. OFF! products should always be used as directed. Effectiveness against pests differs by product and each OFF! product label should be read and followed carefully. For more information on OFF!® products and ways to help protect yourself from mosquitoes, visit www.linhaoff.com.br.
Founded in 1886 and headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin USA, SC Johnson believes that a more sustainable, healthier and transparent world that inspires people and creates opportunities isn't just possible – it's our responsibility. A heritage of innovation and bold, transparent decisions is why our high-quality products and iconic brands – including OFF!®, Raid®, Glade®, Windex®, Scrubbing Bubbles®, Ziploc®, Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day®, method®, Autan®, Baygon®, Mr Muscle®, Duck®, Lysoform® and more – are in homes, schools and businesses in virtually every country worldwide. As a global, purpose-led company, we are committed to making the world a better place today and for future generations. That means relentlessly bringing our expertise in science, innovation and partnerships to bear on some of the world's most pressing environmental and health issues like reducing plastic waste and eradicating malaria. Around the world, we use our resources to unlock greater economic and educational opportunities for people and communities where access may be limited, but curiosity and potential are limitless. See how SC Johnson is a Family Company At Work For a Better World by visiting scjohnson.com or joining us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
ABOUT GOOGLE CLOUD
Google Cloud accelerates every organization's ability to digitally transform its business. We deliver enterprise-grade solutions that leverage Google's cutting-edge technology – all on the cleanest cloud in the industry. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted partner to enable growth and solve their most critical business problems.
*ABOUT SURVEY FINDINGS
**The online survey of 1,000 general population Brazilians was conducted between December 29, 2022 and January 04, 2023. The respondents were 18 years or older, internet users, from social classes A, B, C who do not reject personal repellents.