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Ticks, Mosquitos & Related Diseases FAQs

Vector

Click HERE to view EEE and WNV risk levels by city/town.

What is a vector-borne disease?

Vector-borne diseases are human illnesses caused by parasites, viruses and bacteria that are transmitted by “vectors”.  Vectors are living organisms that can transmit infectious pathogens between humans, or from animals to humans.  Many of these vectors are bloodsucking insects, such as ticks and mosquitos, which ingest disease-producing microorganisms during a blood meal from an infected host (human or animal) and later transmit it into a new host, after the pathogen has replicated. Often, once a vector becomes infectious, they are capable of transmitting the pathogen for the rest of their life during each subsequent bite/blood meal.

What are some common vector-borne diseases?

The most common tick-borne diseases in Massachusetts are Lyme disease, Babesiosis, and Anaplasmosis. Lyme disease is the most frequently reported, with an estimated 300,000 infections occurring each year in the United States. Other tick-borne diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever are also a serious public health problem.

West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE or “Triple E”) are mosquito-borne viruses that occur in Massachusetts and can cause illness ranging from a mild fever to more serious diseases like encephalitis or meningitis. West Nile virus is now native to the United States and outbreaks are reported each summer.  The deadliest West Nile virus outbreak in the United States occurred in 2012.  Although most people infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms, about 1 in 5 will experience fever with other symptoms, and less than 1% will develop a serious, sometimes fatal disease.  EEE is a very rare disease. Since the virus was first identified in Massachusetts in 1938, just over 115 cases have occurred.

There are other diseases spread by mosquitoes that people may be exposed to when traveling in other regions of the world. These include Zika virus, Dengue fever, and Chikungunya.

What is the best way to protect myself against vector-borne disease?

  • Wear insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone.  DEET products should not be used on infants under two months and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children.  Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
  • Wear hats and socks, as well as long sleeve shirts and pants, even if it’s hot out.
  • Be aware of peak mosquito hours, from dusk to dawn.  Whenever possible, schedule outdoor activities and chores during the day.
  • Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water.  Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.
  • Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
  • Avoid areas with high grass where ticks are likely to be plentiful.
  • Check your entire body for ticks and remove right away. Parents should check children thoroughly.
  • Check your pet daily for ticks and talk to your veterinarian about tick prevention products.