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Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Mosquito-borne illness is a significant public health concern, both to the Department of Defense (DoD) and to the broader national and international public health community. Here, we provide a collection of resources to assist in education and risk communication for partners and stakeholders on issues relating to mosquito control and prevention, as well as the prevention of mosquito-borne infectious disease.

Did you know?

Adult mosquitoes don't usually survive the high winds of a hurricane, but flood waters after the storm will result in large populations of floodwater mosquitoes. These "nuisance" mosquitoes don't typically spread viruses that can make you sick. However, the types of mosquitoes that can spread viruses may increase anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months after a hurricane, especially in areas that didn't flood but received more rainfall than usual. >>Learn More about Mosquitoes & Hurricanes

Learn about Prevention of Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

We are focusing on the specific illnesses below, but this list could be expanded in the future:

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Tackling mosquitos to protect the force

Article
6/23/2020
Man emptying bag into a helicopter spreader

Mosquitoes transmit a host of woes but not COVID-19

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The Deadliest Animal In the World

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6/19/2020
DHA Seal

What's the deadliest animal in the world? You need to know. Watch this video to learn more.

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Prevent mosquito-borne illness in the U.S. and overseas

Article
7/31/2019
Most mosquitoes are relatively harmless. But some can cause serious diseases

Mosquitoes can spread dangerous diseases no matter where you are

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Avoid bug bites on vacation with these TRICARE tips

Article
7/30/2019
According to the EPA, using the right insect repellent can discourage mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects from landing on you and biting you

If you’re traveling to areas where they may be a higher chance of getting malaria from mosquitoes or tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease, take steps to avoid these bugs and others.

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Zapping mosquitoes from the inside out

Article
7/29/2019
While chemical mosquito population control measures have been used with some degree of success, they are toxic to other insect populations and to the health of humans. A different angle of defense has emerged, which is genetic modification of the mosquito itself, making it transgenic. Transgenic mosquitoes are unable to transmit a pathogen, such as malaria, due to their altered genetic makeup. (DoD photo)

Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying at summer barbecues. In many parts of the world, they carry pathogens for Zika, dengue, yellow fever and malaria, the most devastating of mosquito-borne diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 440,000 people died in sub-Saharan Africa in 2016 from malaria, contracted from the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Protecting U.S. military personnel who continue to serve in this part of world is critical.

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Bug Week Fact Sheet West Nile

Fact Sheet
7/16/2019

This fact sheet, from the Armed Services Blood Program, describes how West Nile is transmitted, its signs and symptoms, and how to prevent getting the disease.

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Bug Week Fact Sheet Malaria

Fact Sheet
7/16/2019

This fact sheet, from the Armed Services Blood Program, describes how Malaria is transmitted, its signs and symptoms, and how to prevent getting the disease.

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Bug Week Fact Sheet Dengue

Fact Sheet
7/16/2019

This fact sheet, from the Armed Services Blood Program, describes how Dengue is transmitted, its signs and symptoms, and how to prevent getting the disease.

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Summer may be gone, but West Nile Virus remains a threat

Article
10/24/2018
Mosquito activity is still at its peak during early fall but taking steps to prevent mosquito bites can reduce risk of West Nile Virus. (U.S. Army photo)

Taking steps to prevent mosquito bites can be the best way to reduce risk of West Nile Virus infection and other mosquito-borne illnesses

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Mosquitoes 2018

Video
7/30/2018
Mosquitoes 2018

MHS observes Bug Week! Learn more about how to stay safe from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry by watching this video.

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Summer Safety 2018 Mosquito Safety

Infographic
6/20/2018
This infographic provides information on ways to protect yourself from harmful mosquito bites.

This infographic provides information on ways to protect yourself from harmful mosquito bites.

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DoD News In Focus – Combating Malaria

Video
3/21/2017
Inside the Washington, D.C., beltway, scientists and researchers at the Naval Medical Research Center work diligently to combat malaria for the American war fighter and the global population.

Inside the Washington, D.C., beltway, scientists and researchers at the Naval Medical Research Center work diligently to combat malaria for the American war fighter and the global population.

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Rift Valley Fever Virus Ecology

Infographic
12/5/2016
This infographic describes Rift Valley Fever (RVF) virus ecology and how RVF infects livestock and humans. • First the enzootic cycle begins. It is maintained via transfer from parent mosquito to offspring. This is a local, low-level transfer of disease to livestock and happens during periods of average rainfall. • Next, high rainfall and flooding enable Aedes mosquito breeding environments to flourish. This is followed by epizootic outbreaks, which cause abortion storms in animals, with > 90% mortality in newborns and 10-20% mortality in adults. Secondary vectors, including other mosquito genera such as Culex, can pass on the virus to humans and animals. Spillover to humans includes exposure to blood and tissue of infected livestock and occurs during slaughter or birthing activities. Humans can also be infected with RVF via bites of infected mosquitos.

This infographic describes Rift Valley Fever (RVF) virus ecology and how RVF infects livestock and humans.

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Mosquito Control & Bite Prevention: Educational Flipbook

Publication
9/23/2016

Mosquitoes can spread viruses like Zika, chikungunya, and dengue.This flipbook gives basic information about mosquito control activities and how to protect from mosquito bites. Mosquito control approaches that incorporate community education, and mosquito surveillance and control are often called “integrated vector control.” A vector is an insect, like a mosquito, that can spread viruses.

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All Things Mosquito

Video
8/17/2016
Mosquito graphic

Watch this video to learn the basic facts about mosquitoes and the illnesses they carry.

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