Vector Borne and Zoonotic Disease Information

What are vector-borne diseases?

Almost everyone has been bitten by a mosquito, tick, or flea. Vectors are mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas that spread pathogens. A person who gets bitten by a vector and gets sick has a vector-borne disease. Some vector-borne diseases, like plague, have been around for thousands of years. Others, like Heartland virus disease and Bourbon virus disease, have been discovered recently.  An excellent resource for Vector Borne Diseases in Michigan can be found at the Michigan Emerging Diseases website. 

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted by the blacklegged tick.  It is the most commonly reported vector-borne disease in the United States, and it is spreading across the state of Michigan.  Typical clinical signs include flu-like symptoms however, if left untreated may spread to joints, the heart, and/or the nervous system.  The majority of cases can be treated successfully with antibiotics.  

Where can I find more information about Lyme Disease? 

• MDHHS Tick Information 
• Michigan Emerging Diseases Website 
• Michigan Disease Mapper 
• MDHHS Lyme Disease Information 
• CDC Tick Information 
• Michigan's Five Most Common Ticks 
• MDHHS MiTracking Data Portal 
• National Park Service

Ehrlichiosis

In the U.S., the term “ehrlichiosis” is the general name used to describe diseases caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis,  E. ewingii and E. muris eauclairensis.  These bacteria are spread by infected ticks, including the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) and blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis).  The disease is characterized by fever, headache, chills, and muscle aches.  The disease can be prevented by prompt tick removal. 

Where can I find more information about Ehrlichiosis?

• MDHHS Tick Information 
• Michigan Emerging Diseases Website 
• Michigan Disease Mapper 
• MDHHS Ehrlichiosus Information
• CDC Tick Information
• Michigan's Five Most Common Ticks
• MDHHS MiTracking Data Portal

Tick Prevention:

Tick exposure can occur year-round, but ticks are most active during warmer months (April-September).

Before You Go Outdoors

• Know where to expect ticks. 
• Treat clothing and gear
• Avoid Contact with Ticks
  • Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter.
  • Walk in the center of trails.

After You Come Indoors

• Check your clothing for ticks. Ticks may be carried into the house on clothing. Any ticks that are found should be removed.
  • Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors. 
• Examine gear and pets.
• Shower soon after being outdoors.

• Check your body for ticks after being outdoors. Conduct a full body check upon return from potentially tick-infested areas, including your own backyard. Use a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body. Check these parts of your body and your child’s body for ticks:

  • Under the arms
  • In and around the ears
  • Inside belly button
  • Back of the knees
  • In and around the hair
  • Between the legs
  • Around the waist

What are Zoonotic diseases?

Zoonotic diseases are infections spread from animals to humans. Rabies in an example of a zoonotic disease.

Rabies

Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most commonly transmitted by a rabid animal bite. In the U.S., rabies is mostly found in wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.  Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, staying away from wildlife and stray animals, and seeking medical care after a bite and before symptoms begin.

Did you know that 7 out of 10 Americans who die from rabies in the US catch it from infected bats? If you come in contact with a bat or another animal and want to submit it for testing. BLDHD can submit them for you.

Things to be aware of before bringing in an animal for submission:

• No live animals.
• ️Anything larger than a bat, only bring in an intact head. BLDHD cannot remove the head or submit an animal’s body.
• Keep head and spine intact. Do not crush or damage head or upper spine otherwise it cannot be tested.
• Keep refrigerated (do not freeze) until specimen is brought in.

Where can I find more information about rabies?

• Michigan Emerging Diseases Website 
• Michigan Disease Mapper 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Rabies Website
• Beware of Rabies. Be Aware of Rabies. Learn about rabies in bats and other animals, how to prevent rabies, and what to do if bitten or scratched by an animal.
• Video: How to safely catch a bat
• Video: Are you at risk for rabies?