Written by Liza Sabine and Josh Smith of the Fairfax County Health Department 

Mosquitoes and ticks can spread diseases that make people sick – and bites can happen anywhere, including your own backyard. Experts predict that warmer, wetter conditions brought on by climate change could make these pests and the pathogens they transmit more common. (See CDC's Vector-Borne Diseases page for more info).

Preparedness and personal protection are key for preventing vector-borne diseases. Read on to learn how to protect yourself from bites and find out about free Health Department services.  

What are Vector-Borne Diseases?

Mosquitoes and ticks that can spread disease are called vectors. The illnesses they transmit are known as vector-borne diseases.

Vector-borne diseases seen in Fairfax County include Lyme disease, West Nile virus, ehrlichiosis, and alpha-gal syndrome. Other important vector-borne diseases include dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. Vector-borne diseases are becoming more common in some parts of the world, and some are now being found in places where they haven’t been seen before. 

August 20 is World Mosquito Day, which recognizes the day that British medical doctor Sir Ronald Ross discovered that mosquitoes transmitted malaria. This day raises awareness of the impact mosquitoes have on public health and encourages community education on disease prevention.

How To Stay Safe

1. Preventing bug bites is the best defense against diseases carried by mosquitoes and ticks. When outside:

• Use EPA-registered repellent with CDC-recommended active ingredients like DEET or picaridin. Apply repellent after sunscreen.
• Wear long, loose, light-colored clothing to reduce your risk of being bitten.
• Treat clothing, shoes, and outdoor equipment with permethrin to repel mosquitoes and ticks. (Do not spray directly on skin.)
• Walk in the center of trails to lower the risk of bites.
• Follow label instructions when using repellents and permethrin.

2. After being outside:

• Check your body for ticks after spending time in wooded or brushy areas. 
• Inspect clothing, equipment, and pets for ticks.
• If you are bitten by a tick, remove it promptly and safely with tweezers.

3. Keep mosquitoes and ticks out of your yard:

• Get rid of standing water in your yard to help prevent mosquitoes from moving in. Empty standing water weekly from corrugated downspout extensions, tarps, flowerpots, and other containers.
• Repair or replace screens on windows and doors to keep bugs outside.
• Keep your grass mowed and yard trimmed for a tick-free yard.

4. Stay informed:

• Learn about diseases carried by mosquitoes and ticks in Virginia.
• Vector-borne disease symptoms can be mild to severe and may include fever, rash, headache, fatigue, and muscle or joint pain.  Contact your healthcare provider even if you think you may have a vector-borne disease.
• Although everyone is at risk for vector-borne disease, certain groups (older adults, people with weakened immune systems) are more likely to develop severe disease. Learn more about the risk factors for vector-borne diseases.

What the Fairfax County Health Department is Doing 

The Health Department uses an integrated approach to help protect people from diseases spread by mosquitoes and ticks. This includes collecting and analyzing mosquitoes and ticks, monitoring human cases of illness, and community education. County residents can also access these free services:

• Tick Identification — The Health Department’s tick identification service can provide you with information about the type of tick that bit you. This information can be useful if you need to speak to your medical provider. (This service does not remove ticks or provide medical advice).
• Yard Inspections — Have your yard checked for mosquito breeding sites and get mosquito prevention tips. Visit Mosquito Prevention and scroll down to “Mosquito Inspection Request Form.”

More Resources:

• Disease Carrying Insects Program (Fairfax County Health Department)
• Vector-Borne Diseases (CDC)
• Vector-Borne Diseases: Climate and Health (CDC)
• Avoid Bug Bites: Travelers’ Health (CDC)
• Find the Repellent that is Right for You (EPA)
• "Bugs” & Human Health (Virginia Department of Health)

Liza Sabine is a Preparedness Coordinator for the Fairfax County Health Department’s Division of Emergency Preparedness & Response (EP&R). In her role, she manages the Climate Health Program and other projects to help Fairfax County residents prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. Liza previously worked as a program manager at the federal level for 12 years and has served as a disaster response volunteer for the past 10 years.

Josh Smith is an Environmental Health Supervisor in the Fairfax County Health Department's Division of Environmental Health. In his current role as the supervisor of the Disease Carrying Insects Program, he manages the program’s mosquito and tick work, including the integrated mosquito management activities performed by the Health Department. 

Climate Matters is the blog of Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, where we share stories, insights and information related to climate change and environmental sustainability. Posts are written by knowledgeable and passionate OEEC staff members and guest authors. To read all blog posts, visit Climate Matters.