Vector-Borne Illnesses

Everyone—in the United States and around the world—is vulnerable to diseases spread by infected insects like mosquitoes, ticks and fleas, also called vectors. Vector-borne diseases are human illnesses caused by parasites, viruses and bacteria that are transmitted by 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. The most common vector-borne disease in the United States is Lyme disease, which is transmitted by blacklegged ticks and is estimated to cause more than 400,000 new cases each year (source: Data and Surveillance | Lyme Disease | CDC)

Vector-Borne Illnesses

This list is not all inclusive. Expand on each vector to see the diseases they transmit.

Onchocerciasis (river blindness)

Learn more about flea-borne illnesses

Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis)

Sleeping sickness (African trypanosomiasis)

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?

Did you encounter a tick?

If you're a DOD beneficiary, submit the tick to MilTICKGoes to the MilTICK page for free identification and testing.

Other protective measures:

  • 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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