Insects and Diseases

Mosquito

Mission

The mission of the Vector-Borne Diseases Team is to systematically collect, analyze, interpret, and disseminate data on zoonotic, vector-borne diseases, and infestations among Georgians caused by insects and other arthropods. Information gathered is used to design control and prevention measures, to evaluate the effectiveness of public health interventions, and to improve services to populations at greatest risk.​

 

Infestations:

  • Bed Bugs

    Bed bugs, small wingless insects that feed solely on blood, are increasingly becoming a problem within residences of all kinds, including homes, apartments, hotels, cruise ships, dormitories and shelters. While bed bugs do not carry disease, their bite can cause allergic skin reactions in susceptible individuals.

    Bed Bug Facts & FAQs

    Bed Bug Handbook  (PDF, 2.38 MB)

    Bed Bug Handbook (Spanish)  (PDF, 1.55 MB)

    Bed Bug Brochure  (PDF, 533.5 KB)

    DIY Bed Bug Control  (PDF, 1.59 MB)

    DIY Bed Bug Control (Spanish)  (PDF, 1.11 MB)

    Bed Bug Best Management Practices  (NPMA)

  • Head Lice

    Lice are parasites of warm-blooded animals, including man. Head lice are not known to transmit any human pathogens. The chief human health concerns associated with head lice are skin irritation at the feeding site, secondary bacterial infections from scratching, and the psychological "trauma" of the infestations.

    Head Lice Information

    Head Lice Manual  (PDF, 2.54 MB)

    Head Lice Manual (Spanish)  (PDF, 3.22 MB)

  • Scabies

    Scabies is caused by an infestation of the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabei. Infestation is common, found worldwide, and affects people of all races and social classes. This mite burrows into the skin, causing intense itching and irritation. Skin between the fingers, the bend of the elbow or knee, and the shoulder blades are areas most often affected. The intense itching is accompanied by a rash.

    Scabies Facts & FAQs

    Scabies Handbook  (PDF, 1.05 MB)

     

  • Delusory Parasitosis

    Bugged by Bugs  (PDF, 102.55 KB)

    Invisible Itches  (PDF, 667.79 KB)

Vector Surveillance: 

Zoonotic and Vector-Borne Diseases (Epidemiology)

ZOONOTIC DISEASES: Avian Influenza, Brucellosis, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease), Leptospirosis, Plague, Psittacosis, Q Fever, Rabies, Toxoplasmosis, Tularemia

VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES: WNV, EEE, LAC, Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis (including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever), Lyme Disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, and Babesiosis

Page last updated 1/27/23