Infectious disease has tripled in the last thirteen years from ticks, fleas and mosquitoes

As the temperatures warm up this draws both children and adults outside more enjoying the warmer weather. With this increased exposure the CDC has said that the number of insect transmitted infectious diseases is on the rise at a rapid rate. Of the sixteen reported insect borne illnesses the number of reported cases transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas has tripled in number over the thirteen year period. Geographically the tick borne illnesses were identified principally in the eastern US and along the pacific coast. Of the mosquito borne diseases most prevalent in the US is the West Nile virus and it is not concentrated in one geographic region.

As with many diseases the actual number of infections is likely much higher than the numbers reported for these reasons:

1. Many individuals have mild symptoms or do not seek out medical treatment
2. Often patients are treated outpatient thereby not resulting in good or consistent data reporting.
3. Many infections are not properly diagnosed by clinician and therefore not reported.

Additionally the CDC makes these observations in relation to the increase in numbers.

1. Many of these transmitted diseases do not have a vaccine and there is limited treatment.
2. These diseases are unusually resistant to control.
3. New vector borne pathogens are increasing.
4. Reducing infections necessitates the involvement of state and local agencies to improve diagnostic and reporting functions.

The CDC is adopting two strategies to combat this increase. First, they promote the controlling of mosquitoes, ticks and fleas in environment by utilizing EPA registered insect repellent. Lastly the message to the general public on the importance of wearing appropriate clothing in areas of dense insect populations to avoid infections if possible.