Skip to main content

Military Health System

Vector-Borne Illnesses

Everyone—in the United States and around the world—is vulnerable to diseases spread by infected insects or ticks, also called vectors. Increasing global travel and urbanization are contributing to vector-borne disease outbreaks in new regions and countries. 

Some vector-borne diseases, like plague, have been around for thousands of years. Others, like Heartland virus disease and Bourbon virus disease, have been discovered recently.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?

  • Use an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
  • Treat items, such as boots, pants, socks, and tents, with permethrin or buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
  • Take steps to control ticks and fleas on pets.
  • Find and remove ticks daily from family and pets.
  • Take steps to control mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas inside and outside your home.

You also may be interested in...

Bug Week Poster

Publication
7/2/2019

This is the official Bug Week poster. It can be shared on social media or printed out and posted throughout your facility. We ANT-icipate it will help spread the word! The finished dimensions are 24x36” with a .125” bleed and the crop marks are included in the file.

Recommended Content:

Vector-Borne Illnesses

Bug Week Social Media Promotional Graphic

Photo
7/2/2019

You can use this promotional graphic on your social media platforms. Be sure to use the hashtag, #BugWeek2019 and tag @MilitaryHealth in your post!

Recommended Content:

Vector-Borne Illnesses

Bug Week Screensaver

Photo
7/2/2019

This screensaver can run on your facility's computer and/or television screens during the week. Contact your local IT department to see how you can include it in the rotation.

Recommended Content:

Vector-Borne Illnesses

Bug Week Stickers

Publication
7/1/2019

Print these stickers and hand them out to kids during your Blood Drives or bug-themed events. They use Avery Label 22830 (2-1/2” round), which you can purchase online. If you can’t purchase the labels just print, cut out by hand, and use tape!

Recommended Content:

Vector-Borne Illnesses

Bug Week Coloring Pages

Publication
7/1/2019

Do you have a cool event planned during Bug Week? Keep kids away from real bugs this summer by printing out these coloring pages to keep them busy as bees!

Recommended Content:

Vector-Borne Illnesses

Bug Week Facebook Banner

Photo
7/1/2019

Join the fun! Download this banner and use it as your temporary Facebook cover photo during Bug Week.

Recommended Content:

Vector-Borne Illnesses

Bug Week Twitter Banner

Photo
7/1/2019

Join the fun! Download this banner and use it as your temporary Twitter cover photo during Bug Week.

Recommended Content:

Vector-Borne Illnesses

Help Control Mosquitoes Flyer

Publication
6/20/2019

This flyer describes how to help control mosquitoes that can spread dangerous viruses

Recommended Content:

Vector-Borne Illnesses

Prevent Mosquito Bites When Traveling Flyer

Publication
6/20/2019

If you're planning a trip this summer, follow the tips on this flyer to protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses

Recommended Content:

Vector-Borne Illnesses

Zika Virus Flyer

Publication
6/20/2019

This flyer describes how to prevent getting the Zika virus through sexual transmission

Recommended Content:

Vector-Borne Illnesses | Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Anaphylactic Shock Flyer

Publication
6/20/2019

This flyer describes how to prevent allergic reactions from bug bites and stings

Recommended Content:

Vector-Borne Illnesses

Preventing Bug-Borne Illnesses Flyer

Publication
6/20/2019

Since bugs can carry diseases, this flyer provides tips on how to prevent bug bites this summer

Recommended Content:

Vector-Borne Illnesses

Mosquito Bite Prevention Flyer

Publication
6/20/2019

This flyer provides steps you can take to reduce your chance of getting bitten by mosquitoes

Recommended Content:

Vector-Borne Illnesses
<< < 1 2 > >> 
Showing results 16 - 28 Page 2 of 2
Last Updated: March 01, 2023
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery