Key points
- Everyone is at risk of mosquito and tick bites that can make you sick.
- Certain groups of people are at higher risk for severe illness.
- People who have a weakened immune system can have a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from viruses spread by mosquitoes and ticks.
Who's at risk
Everyone is at risk of being bitten by mosquitoes and ticks and getting sick from the germs they can spread. Did you know over 20 mosquito-borne and tickborne diseases are found in the United States?
Certain groups of people are at a higher risk for disease than others. For example, people who spend time or live in areas that put them in contact with mosquitoes or ticks.
Understanding your risk of vector-borne diseases can help you know when and where to expect ticks and mosquitoes and take steps to prevent bites. Those who may be at increased risk include:
- Children
- Older adults
- Dog owners
- Outdoor workers
- Outdoor enthusiasts
- People with weakened immune systems
Mosquito-borne diseases
- Cache Valley
- Chikungunya
- Dengue
- Eastern equine encephalitis
- Jamestown Canyon
- La Crosse encephalitis
- Malaria
- Rift Valley fever
- St. Louis encephalitis
- West Nile
- Zika
Tickborne diseases
Conditions that can increase risk
People who are immunocompromised
People who are immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system) can have a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from viruses spread by mosquitoes and ticks.
Learn more
- Information for patients
- Information for healthcare providers