Risk Factors for Vector-Borne Diseases

Key points

  • Everyone is at risk of mosquito and tick bites that can make you sick.
  • Certain groups of people are at higher risk for severe illness.
  • People who have a weakened immune system can have a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from viruses spread by mosquitoes and ticks.
Graphic of a U.S. map showing the mosquitoes and ticks live everywhere.

Who's at risk

Everyone is at risk of being bitten by mosquitoes and ticks and getting sick from the germs they can spread. Did you know over 20 mosquito-borne and tickborne diseases are found in the United States?

Certain groups of people are at a higher risk for disease than others. Understanding your risk of vector-borne diseases can help you know when and where to expect ticks and mosquitoes. People at higher risk can include:

  • People who spend time in mosquito or tick habitat or live in certain areas that put them in contact with ticks and mosquitoes.
  • Certain groups of people are more likely to develop severe disease, such as
    • Older adults
    • People who have weakened immune systems

Mosquito-borne diseases

Tickborne diseases

Conditions that can increase risk

People who are immunocompromised

People who are immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system) can have a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from viruses spread by mosquitoes and ticks.

Learn more

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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)