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

Some VBD’s, like plague, have been around for thousands of years. Some VBD’s can become serious, life-threatening illness.

Cases of VBD’s have significantly increased over that last 20 years. Currently there 17 VBD’s that are reported to local and state health departments who then share this information with the CDC (Center for Disease Control).

The most commonly reported vector-borne diseases in Wilkes County are:

• Lyme Disease
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
• Ehrlichiosis

Certain groups of people are at higher risk for disease than others. Those who may be at increased risk include:

• Children
• Older Adults
• Dog owners
• Outdoor workers
• Outdoor enthusiasts
• People with weakened immune symptoms

The key to preventing these diseases is to protect yourself from bites and stings by:

• Clothing: Wear loose, light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants
• Insect Repellent: Use EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin and clothing
• Preventative Measures: Avoid fragrant cosmetics, reapply repellent as directed, and use repellent after sunscreen.
• Tick Checks: Check your body for ticks after being outdoors and remove them promptly

If you suspect a vector-borne disease, seek medical attention immediately, especially if you have a rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms after a potential bite or exposure. Tell your doctor about any trave history or outdoor activities where you might have encountered mosquitoes, ticks or other disease-carrying vectors. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for effective management of vector-borne illnesses.

For more information on vector-borne diseases visit:

www.cdc.gov/vector-borne-diseases/about/index.html

www.cdc.gov/vector-borne-diseases/about/a-z-index-of-vector-borne-diseases.html