Vector (Mosquito/Tick) Surveillance Program

Arbovirus Program


Jackson County’s Vector Surveillance Program monitors mosquitoes and ticks throughout the county to protect public health. Staff collect and test mosquito and tick samples to identify species and check for diseases like West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and Lyme disease. When higher risk areas or positive results are found, the program increases surveillance, provides public alerts, and shares prevention guidance with residents. Our goal is prevention, education, and keeping the community safe not by spraying everything, but making evidence based decisions.

Mosquito Prevention Tips


·        Dump standing water weekly (flowerpots, gutters, buckets, kiddie pools, tires, tarps, etc.). Mosquitoes only need 7–10 days to breed.

·        Use EPA-registered repellents (DEET, or oil of lemon eucalyptus).

·        Wear long sleeves and long pants especially from dusk to dawn, when most disease-carrying mosquitoes are active.

·        Repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes from getting indoors.

·        Keep grass and brush trimmed to reduce mosquito resting sites.

Close-up view of a mosquito on a person's skin.
Close-up view of a tick on a plant.

Tick Prevention Tips


·        Use repellent on skin and clothing (DEET, or permethrin-treated clothing).

·        Stay in the center of trails and avoid tall grass or brush where ticks wait for hosts.

·        Perform a tick check after being outdoors behind knees, waistline, armpits, scalp, and on children.

·        Shower within two hours of coming indoors to help remove ticks before they attach.

·        Remove ticks properly: use fine-tipped tweezers, grasp close to the skin, pull straight out, and clean the area.

When to Seek Medical Attention


·        Fever, rash, severe headache, joint pain, or fatigue after a tick bite or mosquito exposure.

·        A bullseye rash when Tick has been attached for 36 Hours.

·        Neurological symptoms following mosquito bites during peak season (possible West Nile or EEE).

What the Program Does


·        Monitors mosquito and tick species throughout Jackson County.

·        Send samples to the State for diseases such as West Nile virus, EEE, and Lyme disease.

·        Tracks seasonal trends and identifies high-risk areas.

·        Works closely with state agencies and local partners.

·        Shares public health alerts when there are positive findings.

·        Provides education and prevention guidance to the public.