Nearly everyone has been bitten by a mosquito, tick, or flea—vectors that spread disease-causing pathogens. Vector-borne diseases pose a major public health challenge, influenced by climate, environment, and human behavior. Warmer temperatures and humidity boost tick survival, while hot, dry weather increases viral replication in mosquitoes, both raising the risk of disease transmission.
Lyme disease (spread by ticks), spotted fever group rickettsioses (spread by ticks), and West Nile Virus (spread by mosquitos) are the three most reported vector-borne diseases in Illinois. In 2023, Illinois reported human case counts with deaths for these diseases:
- West Nile Virus: 119 cases and six deaths
- Lyme Disease: 380 cases and no deaths
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: 19 cases and no deaths
Learn more about tick-borne diseases, mosquito-borne diseases, and explore a full list of vector-borne diseases and conditions.
Transmission
The bite of an infected mosquito or tick transmits vector-borne diseases to humans. Blood transfusion, organ or tissue transplant, and laboratory exposure are other possible modes of transmission. Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby during or shortly after birth.
Prevention
Preventing tick and mosquito bites is the greatest approach to avoid contracting vector-borne diseases. For more information, visit: CDC: Fight the Bite! Prevent Mosquito and Tick Bites
Information for Healthcare Providers
Health care professionals suspecting a vector-borne diseases in their patients should contact the Kane County Health Department to discuss consideration of confirmation testing at IDPH or CDC. In addition to full patient demographic information and clinical information, travel history (with departure and return dates), as well as exposure history should be reported.
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