About Vector-Borne Diseases

Overview

Mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas that spread germs (pathogens) are called vectors. A person who gets bitten by a vector and gets sick has a vector-borne disease (VBD).

Some VBDs, like plague, have been around for thousands of years. Others, like Heartland and Bourbon virus diseases, have been discovered recently. Some VBDs can become serious, life-threatening illnesses.

Increasing threat

Cases of VBDs have increased significantly since 2004, with more than 1 million cases reported between 2001 and 2023. Annual reported VBD cases more than doubled during this period.

Currently, states, territories, and freely associated states voluntarily report cases of 17 VBDs to CDC, plus additional cases that are not nationally notifiable but of interest to public health. However, reported cases tell only a portion of the story. For example, it is estimated that only 1 in 10 West Nile virus cases are reported, and the number of treated Lyme disease cases is possibly 10 times higher than the number reported to CDC.

Who is at risk

Certain groups of people are at a higher risk for disease than others. Understanding your risk can help you know when and where to expect ticks and mosquitoes. Those who may be at increased risk include:

• Children
• Older adults
• Dog owners
• Outdoor workers
• Outdoor enthusiasts
• People with weakened immune systems

Causes and spread

Several factors are driving the emergence and increased spread of VBDs, putting more people at greater risk.

• Changing land use patterns, like reforestation, can lead to increased deer populations and suburban growth, exposing more people to more infected tick bites each year.
• Global travel and trade play a role in introducing invasive vectors and pathogens throughout the Americas.
  • Travelers have inadvertently brought chikungunya and Zika viruses into the United States.
  • Almost every year, travelers have been associated with local spread of dengue in southern states.
• A changing climate influences the geographic distribution and seasonality of VBDs. This includes:
  • Changing weather patterns and increased frequency of severe and unpredictable weather, such as heat waves and droughts.
  • Longer and warmer summers and shorter and milder winters lengthen vector seasons in the United States.
  • Temperature and precipitation affect disease transmission by impacting the replication, interaction, and survival of disease vectors.

These factors, along with societal factors like housing conditions, occupational exposures, and access to health care, can contribute to worsening the already disproportionate impacts of VBDs in some communities.

Prevention

Everyone in the United States is at risk of getting sick from germs spread by infected ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, and other vectors.

Everyone can take steps to prevent bites.

• Prevent mosquito bites
• Prevent tick bites
• Prevent mosquito and tick bites
• Prevent ticks on pets

Testing and diagnosis

For the public

If you think you or a family member may be sick with a VBD, talk with your healthcare provider. Healthcare providers diagnose vector-borne infections based on:

• Signs and symptoms
• History of possible exposure to mosquitoes, ticks, or fleas that can spread germs
• Laboratory testing

Your healthcare provider can order tests to look for germs or other infections that can cause symptoms similar to VBDs.

For professionals

CDC offers diagnostic testing services to public health departments when commercial tests are not available or when additional testing may be required.

DVBD laboratories provide testing free of charge to approved agencies. DVBD laboratories can perform testing on arboviral, bacterial, and rickettsial specimens.

Available vaccines

Few vaccines are available for vector-borne diseases. However, travelers can protect themselves. People traveling to areas with risk for the following viruses can discuss vaccination with their healthcare provider.

• Chikungunya
• Japanese encephalitis
• Tick-borne encephalitis
• Yellow fever

How animals are affected

Pets can get sick from germs spread by mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. VBDs that can affect pets include dog heartworm, Lyme disease, and plague. Pets can also bring ticks into your home.

Vaccines are not available for most tickborne diseases that pets can get. Protect your pets by learning how to prevent ticks on pets.

Livestock and wildlife can also be affected, for example:

• Birds are susceptible to West Nile virus.
• Goats, sheep, and cattle can become infected with Q fever.
• Horses can get sick with eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile.
• The invasive Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) has been found on pets, livestock, wildlife, and people.

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What CDC is doing

CDC is a national and international leader in addressing vector-borne diseases. CDC collaborates with public health departments, vector control agencies, universities, and other partners to detect, prevent, respond to, and control VBDs. Get details on what CDC is doing.