Vector-Borne Diseases
A disease that results from an infection spread to humans and other animals by blood-feeding insects, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.
Mosquito Surveillance
On behalf of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department conducts a mosquito trapping program for species surveillance in the Summer months. This program is designed to monitor what level of threat Michigan may face in regards to the Zika Virus and other mosquito transmitted diseases.
Not all mosquitoes are the same.
Different mosquitoes spread different viruses and bite at different times of the day.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
EEE spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Only a few cases are reported in the United States each year. Residents are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms and have been exposed to mosquitoes.
Zika Virus
Many areas in the United States have the type of mosquitoes that can spread Zika virus. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Zika can also be passed through sex from a person who has Zika to his or her sex partners, even if the person doesn’t have symptoms.
West Nile Virus
A potentially serious disease carried by mosquitoes that can affect anyone, but people over the age of 60 are more likely to get severe forms of the illness.
Ticks and Your Health
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Michigan State University
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is spread by the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, an estimated 476,000 infections are diagnosed and treated each year. If you camp, hike, work, or play in wooded or grassy places, you could be bitten by an infected tick.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a serious, sometimes deadly, bacterial disease spread through the bite of an infected tick. While the majority of RMSF cases occur during summer months, ticks can still bite you during the spring, fall, or even year-round in warmer climates.
Stop Ticks to Avoid Lyme and Other Tickborne Diseases
Ticks carry germs that can cause Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Use EPA-registered repellents to reduce the chance of being bitten by a tick. Check for ticks and shower after being bitten outdoors to reduce your chance of getting a tickborne disease. Get medical attention if you have a tick bite followed by a fever or rash.
For Providers
Warm weather is here, and so are biting insects. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Laboratories offers comprehensive testing on clinical specimens for several mosquito and tick-borne diseases of concern in Michigan. The attached Information Sheet provides details of the assays available at no cost to Michigan healthcare providers for their patients.
Click the button below to access the Information sheet.