Vector-borne Disease

What is a Vector-Borne Disease?

A “vector-borne disease” is an infectious agent such as a virus, bacteria or parasite that is passed from a disease carrier (vector) to another organism.

May contain: arachnid, spider, invertebrate, animal, mosquito, and insect

West Nile Virus

Mosquitoes spread West Nile virus when they bite birds and people. The mosquito species that can transmit West Nile virus (WNV) are here in Los Angeles County.

Zika Virus

Zika is spread mostly by the bite of the invasive Aedes species mosquitoes. These mosquitoes bite primarily during the day, indoors and outdoors.

Chikungunya

Chikungunya virus is transmitted to people by two species of mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (also known as invasive Aedes). Both species are found in Los Angeles County.

Dengue Fever

Dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause mild to severe acute febrile illness in humans. It is now endemic year round in most countries in the tropics and sub tropics. Dengue fever can progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which are potentially life-threatening. Cases of dengue fever often experience a sudden onset of fever greater than 101…

May contain: dog, pet, canine, animal, mammal, cat, and text

Fleas and Flea-borne Typhus

Flea-borne (murine) typhus, is a disease caused by a bacteria called Rickettsia typhi. Flea-borne typhus is spread to people through contact with infected fleas. Fleas become infected when they bite infected animals, such as rats, cats, or opossums.

West Nile Virus Activity 2021

Our agency reports data related to mosquitoes. Human cases are reported by the L.A. County Department of Public Health and Pasadena Health Department.