"Vector borne" is the term used to describe illness that is spread when infected blood-sucking insects (such as mosquitoes and ticks) bite a person.  The Communicable Disease Service has staff dedicated to the monitoring, control and prevention of vector-borne diseases.

Specific activities performed by vector-borne illness staff include:

• Surveillance of vector borne diseases
• Identifying risk factors
• Monitoring geographic trends
• Providing technical assistance and training
• Educating the public

Some common vector borne diseases in New Jersey include:

Some vector borne diseases that do not occur in New Jersey but may be identified in travelers returning from other states or countries where these diseases may occur:

Helpful Information:

• Mosquito-borne Diseases Brochure [pdf 385k]
• Tick-borne Diseases Brochure [pdf 337k]
• How to Remove a Tick [pdf 954k]
• How to Avoid Tick Bites [pdf 914k]
• National Center for Zoonotic, Vector Borne and Enteric Diseases