Mosquito Borne Diseases

Mosquito Borne Diseases belong to a class of disease called Arboviruses.  Arboviruses are viruses that are spread to people through insect or tick bites. Mosquitoes bite animals such as horses and birds that are infected with certain viruses and then transmit the viruses to humans. Most people infected with Mosquito Borne Diseases do not even get sick. For the small number who do become ill, it can take 2-15 days after transmission before they become sick.

Symptoms can vary from none to severe. If you have any of the following symptoms consult a medical provider:

• fever
• headache
• tiredness
• dizziness
• confusion
• rash
• muscle weakness

Common Mosquito Borne Diseases

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• Dengue
• Eastern Equine Encephalitis
• Malaria
• St Louis Encephalitis
• West Nile Virus
• Yellow Fever
• Zika

Prevention

• Mosquitoes can bite both during the day and night.  Prevention is therefore needed during all times of the day to reduce the chance of acquiring a Mosquito Borne Disease.
• Use mosquito sprays containing 10% DEET
• Wear long sleeve shirts and pants.
• Spray your skin. Spray your clothing.
• Check the screens on your windows and doors for holes or gaps where mosquitoes can get in.
• Drill small holes in tire swings so water drains out.
• Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.
• Place mosquito netting over infant carriers and strollers when you are outdoors.
• Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out.
• Rinse and change your pet's water dish daily.
• At least once or twice a week, empty water from flower pots, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, and cans

For Providers 

Mosquito-Borne Diseases Guide (PDF 2.4MB)