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Preventing Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

infographic about mosquito bite preventionTo prevent an outbeak of any mosquito-borne illness, its important to control the mosquito population and protect yourself from mosquito bites. 

  • Use insect repellant
  • Treat your clothing and gear if you'll be outside
  • Mosquito-proof your home

Traveling Overseas? 

Mosquito bites are bothersome enough, but when you consider risks, like getting sick with Zika, dengue, chikungunya or other mosquito-borne illness, its important to protect yourself and your family when traveling overseas. 

Avoid Mosquito Bites

  • Research your travel destination: Learn about country-specific travel advice, health risks, and how to stay safe by visiting CDC Travelers' Health website.
  • Use insect repellent: Use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
  • Cover up: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
  • Keep mosquitoes outside: Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens. If you are not able to protect yourself from mosquitoes inside your home or hotel, sleep under a mosquito bed net.

After Your Trip

Visit your healthcare provider right away if you develop a fever, headache, rash, muscle or joint pain.

  • Tell your doctor about recent international travel.
  • Visit the CDC's Getting Sick after Travel webpage for more information.

Publications and Resources

File Description
Aedes Surveillance and Control Plan for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Installations This document is intended as general guidance concerning surveillance and control of Aedes spp. mosquitoes - the primary human vectors for dengue, chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and Zika virus.
Armed Forces Pest Management Board Technical Guide No. 47: Aedes Mosquito Vector Control This guide is designed to serve as a quick reference for the identification, surveillance, and control of the mosquito species that transmit Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya.
Avoid Mosquito Bites! This fact sheet from the Army Public Health Center offers tips to avoid mosquito bites to prevent the spread of Zika.
Controlling Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus: Information for vector control programs A fact sheet from the CDC providing information for vector control programs about controlling mosquito populations.
DoD Insect Repellent System The DoD Insect Repellent System is a safe an proven method to reduce disease and annoyance associated with insects.
DoD Insect Repellent System and Permethrin Treatment of Military Uniforms The DoD Insect Repellent System is a safe and proven method to reduce disease and annoyance associated with insects, which includes permethrin treatment of military uniforms.
DoD Skin Repellents This fact sheet lists repellent products are intended for use on exposed skin and not for treating uniforms.
Going to the American Tropics? Poster targeted to travelers about protecting themselves from mosquito bites.
Help Control Mosquitos that Spread Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika Viruses This CDC Fact Sheet provides tips to protect yourself, your family and community from mosquitoes.
Mosquito Bite Prevention (United States) Not all mosquitoes are the same. Different mosquitoes spread different viruses and bite at different times of the day. This fact sheet provides guidance for preventing mosquito bites in the U.S.
Mosquito Bite Prevention for Travelers Mosquitoes spread many types of viruses and parasites that can cause diseases like chikungunya, dengue, Zika, and malaria. If you are traveling to an area where malaria is found, talk to your healthcare provider about malaria prevention medication that may be available. This fact sheet provides tips for preventing mosquito bites when you're traveling.
Mosquito Control & Bite Prevention: Educational Flipbook Mosquitoes can spread viruses like Zika, chikungunya, and dengue.This flipbook gives basic information about mosquito control activities and how to protect from mosquito bites. Mosquito control approaches that incorporate community education, and mosquito surveillance and control are often called “integrated vector control.” A vector is an insect, like a mosquito, that can spread viruses.
Mosquito Control Around the Home By following the guidance provided in this factsheet, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of mosquito bites and the diseases they transmit in their community.
Mosquito Control for Urban Areas This brochure from the Air Force Civil Engineer Center offers tips for controlling the mosquito population in urban areas.
Mosquito Control Trifold Brochure titled, "Mosquitoes: Not in my backyard!"
Mosquito Door Hanger A door hanger titled, "Mosquitos: Not in my backyard!"
Mosquito Trap-N-Kill The Mosquito Trap-N-Kill is a reusable mosquito trap that both attracts and kills day-biting container-breeding mosquitoes that live around homes.
Permethrin Factory-Treated Army Combat Uniforms The Army’s policy is to provide the best protection for our Soldiers’ health and wellbeing. With the introduction of the ACU Permethrin, the Army is providing a product that will enhance Force Health Protection and Readiness.
Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites Poster depicting ways to protect yourself from mosquitos that spread illnesses such as dengue, chikungunya and zika virus.
Protecting Yourself and Your Home From Mosquitoes This fact sheet lists several easy steps you can take to protect yourself and home from mosquitoes
Recently in the American Tropics? Poster targeting travelers returning from trips from the American Tropics depicting signs of symptoms of possible mosquito-borne illnesses.

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Obama: Zika poses significant threat, public should take precautions

Article
8/8/2016
Yellow fever mosquitoes – Aedes aegypti – are reared in the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research insectary by the thousands for use in pre-clinical Zika vaccine experiments and for research into new vector control products and methods. (Walter Reed Army Institute of Research photo)

The Defense Department is working closely with federal, state and local authorities to monitor the threat of Zika to its military and civilian personnel and their dependents

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MHS experts offers summer advice from fighting bugs to knowing where to go for medical help

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6/23/2016
Warmer weather naturally draws more people to pools, lakes, rivers and the ocean. Keep an eye on each other, especially children. He said despite soaking in water, people can become dehydrated. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Charles Santamaria)

Whether it’s keeping bugs away or knowing how to get help, check out these tips to have safer summer vacation travel.

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