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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
Sep 23, 2016
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) reminds agencies that a wide range of human resources (HR) policies and flexibilities are available to assist employees and agencies in dealing with the Zika virus. This guidance provides information regarding the leave and other workplace flexibilities and authorities available for these purposes.
- Identification #: N/A
- Type: Guideline
Policy
Sep 23, 2016
The U.S. Food and Drug Admnistration is issuing this guidance for blood establishments that collect Whole Blood and blood components for immediate implementation in accordance with 21 CFR 10.115(g)(2).
- Identification #: N/A
- Type: Guideline
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
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
Policy
Feb 5, 2016
.PDF |
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
Policy
Feb 3, 2016
.PDF |
314.22 KB
This guidance contains information about the potential for transfusion-transmitted Zika infection; recommends facilitating donor self-deferral of 28 days after travel to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America.
- Identification #: BPL 16-2
- Type: Memorandum
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Last Updated: July 11, 2023