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Military Health System

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.

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.

  • Tell your doctor about recent international travel.
  • Visit the CDC's Getting Sick after Travel webpage for more information.

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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Zika: Protecting Children from Mosquito Bites at Camp

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Zika: Protecting Camp Staff and Staffers

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This CDC fact sheet targeted to Camp Administrators provides tips to keep staff and campers healthy while at camp.

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Help Control Mosquitoes that Spread Viruses Like Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya

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6/17/2016

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Planning a trip?

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6/17/2016

Do your homework to protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses

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Chikungunya: What You Need to Know

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6/14/2016

This fact sheet from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention explains the chikungunya virus, signs and symptoms and how to prevent it.

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Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites

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Recently in the American Tropics?

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How is the U.S. Military Dealing with Zika?

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Estimated Range of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus Mosquitos in the U.S.

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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.

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Strategy for Control of Zika Virus Transmitting Mosquitos on Military Installations and Housing Areas

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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.

Armed Forces Pest Management Board: Zika Preparation

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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.

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Donor Self-deferral Information Sheet to Reduce the Risk of Transfusion-transmitted Zika

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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

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Post-donation Information Sheet

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Zika Virus: What You Need to Know

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Last Updated: March 02, 2023
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