Centers for Disease Control

Centers for Disease Control Finds Rates of Lyme, Zika
and exotic new diseases are soaring.
Federal officials blame hotter weather, jet travel, forested suburbs
and slow vaccine development.

Problem

Increasing threat, limited capacity to respond

More cases in the US (2004-2016)

  • The number of reported cases of disease from mosquito, tick, and flea bites has more than tripled.
  • More than 640,000 cases of these diseases were reported from 2004 to 2016.
  • Disease cases from ticks have doubled.
  • Mosquito-borne disease epidemics happen more frequently.

More germs (2004-2016)

  • Chikungunya and Zika viruses caused outbreaks in the US for the first time.
  • Seven new tickborne germs can infect people in the US.

More people at risk

  • Commerce moves mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas around the world.
  • Infected travelers can introduce and spread germs across the world.
  • Mosquitoes and ticks move germs into new areas of the US, causing more people to be at risk.

The US is not fully prepared

  • Local and state health departments and vector control organizations face increasing demands to respond to these threats.
  • More than 80% of vector control organizations report needing improvement in 1 or more of 5 core competencies, such as testing for pesticide resistance.
  • More proven and publicly accepted mosquito and tick control methods are needed to prevent and control these diseases.

Everyone can

  • Use an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent. http://bit.ly/2tIJyLl
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
  • Treat items, such as boots, pants, socks, and tents, with permethrin or buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
  • Take steps to control ticks and fleas on pets.
  • Find and remove ticks daily from family and pets. http://bit.ly/2nSlO3S
  • Take steps to control mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas inside and outside your home. http://bit.ly/2aexzI4http://bit.ly/2DbY6E3

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/01/health/ticks-mosquitoes-diseases.html

C.D.C. Finds Rates of Lyme, Zika and exotic new diseases are soaring. Federal officials blame hotter weather, jet travel, forested suburbs and slow vaccine development.