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 diseaseCDC Website outbreaks in new regions and countries. 

Some vector-borne diseases, like plagueCDC Website, have been around for thousands of years. Others, like HeartlandCDC website virus disease and BourbonCDC website 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 | CDCopens CDC website)

The Defense Centers for Public Health - Aberdeengoes to DHA Public Health website provides provides entomological and pest management resources and information to advance the readiness and health of DOD personnel and communities. They've put together links to resourcesgoes to Public Health Vector-Borne Disease page providing you with up-to-date information, expert guidance on vector-borne diseases, and prevention strategies to help protect against these threats.