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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.
Mosquito-Borne Illnesses A-Z
Preventing Mosquito-Borne Illness
To prevent an outbreak of any mosquito-borne illness, its important to control the mosquito population and protect yourself from mosquito bites.
- Use insect repellant
- Treat your clothing and gear if you'll be outside
- Mosquito-proof your home
Traveling Overseas?
Mosquito bites are bothersome enough, but when you consider risks, like getting sick with Zika, dengue, chikungunya or other mosquito-borne illness, its important to protect yourself and your family when traveling overseas.
Avoid Mosquito Bites
- Research your travel destination: Learn about country-specific travel advice, health risks, and how to stay safe by visiting CDC Travelers' Health website.
- Use insect repellent: Use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Cover up: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Keep mosquitoes outside: Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens. If you are not able to protect yourself from mosquitoes inside your home or hotel, sleep under a mosquito bed net.
After Your Trip
Visit your healthcare provider right away if you develop a fever, headache, rash, muscle or joint pain.
It's Hurricane Season ... 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
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Policy
Jul 25, 2016
With this update, CDC is expanding its existing recommendations to cover all pregnant couples, which includes pregnant women with female sex partners. This guidance also describes what other couples (those who are not pregnant or planning to become pregnant) can do to reduce the risk for Zika virus transmission. CDC’s recommendations for couples ...
- Identification #: N/A
- Type: Guideline
Infographic
Jun 17, 2016
Mosquito-borne illnesses are a major public health concern. Follow these tips to help control mosquitoes around your home and in your community.
Infographic
Jun 17, 2016
Do your homework to protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses
Publication
Jun 14, 2016
Poster depicting ways to protect yourself from mosquitos that spread illnesses such as dengue, chikungunya and zika virus.
Publication
Jun 14, 2016
Poster targeting travelers returning from trips from the American Tropics depicting signs of symptoms of possible mosquito-borne illnesses.
Video
Jun 7, 2016
The Defense Department is closely monitoring the spread of the Zika virus and is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to assist in virus surveillance, response and research efforts.
Publication
Jun 4, 2016
Poster targeted to travelers about protecting themselves from mosquito bites.
Publication
Apr 1, 2016
These maps represent CDC's best estimate of the potential range of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in the United States. Maps are not meant to represent risk for spread of disease.
Policy
Mar 17, 2016
.PDF |
1.29 MB
This memorandum establishes a Department-wide strategy for vector surveillance, testing, and control on military installation and housing areas in locations within the distribution range ofAedes abopictus, Aedes aegypti, and Aedes polynesiensis.
- Identification #: N/A
- Type: Memorandum
Infographic
Feb 23, 2016
Zika is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes. Ongoing transmission of the virus is currently taking place in the western hemisphere. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a travel warning in these areas.
Publication
Feb 23, 2016
.PDF |
128.42 KB
This guide consolidates information and procedures for surveillance and control of mosquitoes that transmit Zika, dengue and chikungunya viruses, which have the potential to co-circulate in the same regions where the viruses are endemic. This Technical Guide has been updated in January 2016 to provide additional information with regard to Zika.
Publication
Feb 23, 2016
.PDF |
134.29 KB
This info sheet is to give to potential blood donors who have traveled to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America in the last 28 days. BPL 16-02, Attachment 2
Publication
Feb 23, 2016
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148.51 KB
This info sheet is to provide to blood donors after they give blood. BPL 16-02, Attachment 3
Policy
Feb 5, 2016
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444.37 KB
This memorandum provides information for Department of Defense (DoD) medical and force health protection personnel concerning prevention, diagnoses, and treatment of Zika virus infection. Implementation of this guidance is essential to protect the health of our DoD personnel located in, traveling to, or returning from areas with active transmission of ...
- Identification #: ASD(HA) Memorandum 16-002
- Type: Memorandum
Fact Sheet
Feb 3, 2016
.PDF |
401.93 KB
Zika (zee-kah) virus is primarily spread from an infected person to an uninfected person through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. Although most infections do not cause symptoms, Zika virus infection may result in fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes.
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Last Updated: July 11, 2023