Vectors and Public Health Pests
According to the World Health Organization, "Vectors are living organisms that transmit infectious diseases between humans or from animal to human." The most common and impactful vectors for humans are mosquitos and ticks. Public health pests are organisms that are a nuisance to the general public but do not transmit disease. The most common public health pest is the bedbug though recent research has shown that they may have the ability to transmit disease. Environmental health professionals are instrumental in helping individuals, institutions, and communities reduce vectors and public health pests. One of the most effective strategies to reduce vectors and public health pests is integrated pest management (IPM) practices. IPM is a multifaceted, environmentally friendly, and common sense approach to managing pests: do not attract them, keep them out, and eliminate them using the safest and most effective methods (CDC, EPA).
Vectors & Pests Webinars
NEHA aims to improve the capacity of environmental health to identify and understand emerging vectors found in the United States. The NEHA Vector & Pests Webinars page provides up-to-date information on vector control topics and resources used to protect the public of the transmission of vector-borne diseases.
The Vector Control Tools & Resources (VeCToR) Toolkit
The Vector Control Tools & Resources (VeCToR) Toolkit provides tools and resources for program improvement activities that are in line with the 10 Essential Environmental Public Health Services.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s 10 Essential Environmental Public Health Services form the framework used to evaluate the effectiveness of a community’s environmental public health system. The services are based on the three core functions of public health: assessment, policy development, and assurance, and provide a basis for program improvement for every area within environmental health departments.
Vectors of the United States Map and Informational Hub
NEHA has developed an interactive and educational resource that provides general vector and public health pest information. This easy-to-use, all-encompassing resource provides comprehensive and reliable information about where vectors are known to be found throughout the country, surveillance and control methods, as well as vector-borne diseases.
Visitors can expand their knowledge and understanding of this important field of study and can use the information to improve policies, programs, and public health. Information includes:
- Vectors and where they are known to be found in the country
- Surveillance and control methods
- Vector-borne diseases and information about those diseases
Vectors of the United States will be frequently updated with information and resources. Visitors can expand their knowledge and understanding of this all-important area of study and can use the information to improve policies, programs, and public health.
NEHA Online Educational Opportunities
Vector Control for Environmental Health Professionals Online Course
NEHA worked with the CDC, the National Network of Public Health Institutes, Texas Health Institute, Tulane University, and renowned subject-matter experts to update and expand this training. The new expanded training – Vector Control for Environmental Health Professionals – is housed on Tulane University’s Learning Management System and is preapproved for NEHA continuing education contact hours.
School Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program
NEHA has a cooperative agreement with EPA to facilitate the use of integrated pest management (IPM) in schools. IPM focuses on pest prevention and pesticide use only as needed with inspections, monitoring, and reports (EPA). This project promotes effective and environmentally sensitive pest management practices in schools through a mentorship program between school districts and local health departments. The School IPM Mentorship Program objective is for IPM practices to be understandable and accessible for rural and underserved school districts to help build cooperation, partnership, and awareness of IPM.
Emerging Issues in Vectors and Public Health Pests
CDC Releases New Resources for Tickborne Rickettsial Disease
CDC has released new guidelines around the diagnoses and management of tickborne disease. CDC’s Tickborne Diseases App is available for download for immediate access concise, comprehensive, and updated information about the prevention, identification, and treatment of tickborne diseases.
Zika Virus
The Zika Virus was first identified in 1947 but is now having a major impact on public health. To learn more about the Zika Virus and what EH professionals can do to prepare for it, click here.
Borrelia mayonii
New species of Lyme disease-causing bacteria discovered, learn more about B. mayonii.
Past Vector Events
Enhancing Environmental Health (EEK): Vectors and Public Health Pests Virtual Conference
Enhancing Environmental Health (EEK): Vectors and Public Health Pests Virtual Conference was designed to enhance the knowledge of EH professionals in order to help them better prepare to respond to environmental events of public health concern as well as to bring professionals together in a unique virtual environment to exchange information and discover new solutions to issues in vectors and public health pests. EEK was offered in 2016 and 2018. Recorded session from these virtual conferences can be accessed through NEHA's E-Learning via our online Bookstore under NEHA Webinars.
P.E.S.T. Virtual Conference
NEHA hosted its first virtual conference on integrated pest management titled Pest-Control through Environmentally Sustainable Treatments (P.E.S.T.) Virtual Conference - Integrated Pest Management Solutions in EH. The live event took place on August 28-29, 2019. The P.E.S.T. Virtual Conferece was a highly informative forum that brought together environmental public health professionals and vector control specialists to discuss emerging issues and solutions, as well as the latest information, resources, tools, and training about integrated pest management. In addition to educating the workforce, the conference was designed to bring professionals together in a unique virtual environment to exchange information and discover new solutions to issues in integrated pest management and sustainable vector control solutions. Recorded session from this virtual conference can be accessed through NEHA's E-Learning via our online Bookstore under NEHA Webinars.
Vector Week 2020
CDC NCEZID hosted Vector Week in Fort Collins, CO, on February 25-28, 2020.