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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.

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2019 Bug Week Communications Toolkit

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7/8/2019

This toolkit is full of materials to use throughout the Bug Week campaign including: Facebook/Twitter banners, posters, screensavers, infographics, templates, and even coloring pages! Bug-borne illnesses are no joke, but Bug Week is an opportunity to engage with all of MHS’ beneficiaries and stakeholders in a fun and creative way.

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Can You BEE-Lieve It Template

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7/2/2019

People will bug out when they see this fun “Can you BEE-lieve It” template. Add your bug fun facts in this editable PDF to share information with your followers about how to prevent bug-borne illnesses and the medical uses of some bugs. To use this template: Add in your fun fact, save the .ppt as a .png file, and post it on your social media platforms.

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Bug Week Poster

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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.

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Bug Week Stickers

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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!

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Bug Week Coloring Pages

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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!

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Help Control Mosquitoes Flyer

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

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Prevent Mosquito Bites When Traveling Flyer

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

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Anaphylactic Shock Flyer

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

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Zika Virus Flyer

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

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Preventing Bug-Borne Illnesses Flyer

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

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Mosquito Bite Prevention Flyer

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

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Last Updated: March 01, 2023
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