Vectors

A disease that is transmitted to humans or other animals by an insect or other arthropod is called a vector borne disease. In Idaho, the vectors of most concern are mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.

Mosquitoes/West Nile

West Nile is a virus most commonly spread to people by mosquito bites. In North America, cases of West Nile virus (WNV) occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall.

Swimmers Itch

Swimmer’s itch, also called cercarial dermatitis, appears as a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to certain parasites that infect some birds and mammals.

Ticks

Ticks are generally found near the ground, in brushy or wooded areas. They can’t jump or fly. Instead, they climb tall grasses or shrubs and wait for a potential host to brush against them. When this happens, they climb onto the host and seek a site for attachment.