Zoonotic and Vector-borne Diseases

Contact DPH Epidemiology

For questions about disease surveillance or to report a case, contact:

Epidemiology Main Line: (404) 657-2588
Fax: (470) 763-8054
24/7 Reporting Line: 1-866-PUB-HLTH (1-866-782-4584)

What are zoonotic and vector-borne diseases?

Zoonotic diseases are infections that can spread between animals and people. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi.

Some zoonotic diseases spread directly through contact with infected animals, their body fluids, or their environment. Others are spread indirectly by vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks. These are called vector-borne diseases.

In Georgia, the most important vectors are:

  • Mosquitoes – can spread viruses like West Nile and Eastern Equine Encephalitis
  • Ticks – can spread illnesses like Lyme disease and spotted fever rickettsiosis

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) tracks these diseases, supports local health districts, and works with Environmental Health to prevent and control vector-borne threats across the state.

Zoonotic Disease Resource Pages

DPH maintains dedicated pages for selected zoonotic diseases. These pages include reporting information, clinical guidance, and educational materials:

Disease Reporting

All notifiable conditions should be reported to the Georgia Department of Public Health.

Submit a report

Vector-borne Diseases 

Vector-borne diseases are infections that spread to people through the bite of arthropods such as mosquitoes and ticks. These diseases are a subset of zoonotic diseases because they involve germs that can move between animals and humans. In Georgia, the primary vectors are mosquitoes and ticks.

For more information about specific diseases, prevention, and Georgia data, visit:

Environmental Health

The Environmental Health Program plays a key role in addressing and managing vector-borne diseases in Georgia. The program works with epidemiologists and local health districts to:

  • Conduct vector surveillance
  • Perform environmental assessments
  • Support integrated pest management and vector control
  • Provide public outreach and education

For more information, or to contact Georgia Environmental Health about vector-borne diseases, please visit:

 

Page last updated 02/05/2026