The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) monitors vector-borne disease cases and outbreaks across the state of Nebraska through the use of a public health surveillance system.
DHHS collaborates with many partners such as hospitals, clinics, laboratories, local, state, and federal partners to detect, investigate, control, and report vector-borne disease cases and outbreaks.
What are Vector-Borne Diseases? Almost everyone has been bitten by a mosquito, tick, or flea. Vectors are arthropods (mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, etc.) that spread pathogens. A person who gets bitten by a vector and gets sick has a vector-borne disease.
What can you do to protect yourself?
- Use an EPA approved insect repellent that has DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or nootkatone
- Wear long sleeve shirts and pants
- Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin.
- Be careful at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Do frequent tick checks after being outdoors and remove attached ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers.
- Frequently check your property for standing water and drain items such as wagons, bird baths, flowerpots, gutters, and tires.
- Shower as soon as possible after being outdoors.