Common Mosquito-Borne Diseases in the U.S.
In the United States, mosquitoes can transmit several viruses, including West Nile, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. West Nile is the most common cause of mosquito-borne illness in the continental U.S., with cases typically peaking in summer and early fall. Dengue and chikungunya are less common but occur in travelers and occasionally through local transmission in southern states.
How Transmission Occurs
Mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person or animal carrying the virus. Infected mosquitoes then spread the virus to other people through bites. Most infections are mild, but some can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, or neurological complications, especially in older adults and immunocompromised individuals.
Prevention and Risk Reduction
Use EPA-registered repellents, wear long sleeves and pants, and install or repair window and door screens. Remove standing water from buckets, planters, and gutters weekly to reduce breeding sites. For current case counts and maps, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/mosquito-borne-diseases/.
