Arboviral Diseases

Arboviral diseases are any number of diseases that are transmitted to humans from the bite of an arthropod, mainly mosquitoes and ticks. 

This graph shows the number of mosquito-borne and tickborne investigations conducted by RCHD staff, by year. 

Mosquito-borne Diseases

Click on the links below to find out more information on various mosquito-borne diseases. Please remember, not all of these diseases are found in Kansas.

For more information on preventing mosquito bites that can cause disease, visit our Mosquito Prevention page.

West Nile Virus 

West Nile Virus (WNV) is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States, and in Kansas. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) oversees mosquito surveillance sites throughout the state in order to determine risk of disease transmission. For more information on West Nile Virus and mosquito surveillance in Kansas, visit KDHE's arboviral disease page.

Zika Virus 

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arthropod-borne disease, transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito of the genus Aedes. However, it can also be spread through sexual contact between an infected male and his partner. There are two species of mosquito that spread Zika Virus, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. While both of these mosquitoes can be found in Kansas, they are most common in tropical locations, such as the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, Africa and southern Asia. There has been no local transmission of the disease in the United States.

The most common symptoms of Zika Virus Disease include fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis; other symptoms include muscle pain and headache. These symptoms generally last for 7-10 days.

There have been reports of illness while pregnant and adverse health outcomes in newborn babies. Scientists from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) are currently working to determine the link between infection while pregnant and adverse health outcomes.

While there is no vaccine to prevent illness, treatment includes rest and hydration and taking Acetaminophen (Tylenol) to combat pain and fever. It is important not to take NSAIDs, like Ibuprofen or Naproxen.

The most effective way to prevent getting sick is to use an EPA-registered insect repellent (i.e. Off!, Cutter, Sawyer, Skin So Soft). When outdoors, especially if traveling to areas with ongoing disease transmission, it is important to wear insect repellent, long-sleeve shirts and long pants. At home, remember to eliminate areas where standing water can occur.

For more information, you can see the fact sheet above or check  or visit Center for Disease Control's Zika Virus Page or the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

If you're traveling, and want to know about Zika Virus and other diseases around the world, visit the CDC's Travel Health webpage.

Tickborne Diseases

Click on the links below to find out more information on various tickborne diseases. 

Do you know the correct way to remove a tick if you find one on your body? 

Tickborne Disease Prevention

The most effective way to prevent getting sick from a mosquito- or tickborne disease is to use insect repellent when outdoors. 

Tick Prevention

In order to prevent tick exposure and tick bites, follow these steps: 

• Avoiding wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter
• Walk in the center of trails when hiking 
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toed shoes 
• Use Insect Repellent 

Tick Prevention Fact Sheet (pdf)