The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has released the National Public Health Strategy to Prevent and Control Vector-Borne Diseases in People (VBD National Strategy), marking a significant step in combating the growing threat of diseases spread by vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and lice.

The strategy, developed by 17 federal departments and agencies, is a result of a four-year process initiated by the 2019 Kay Hagan Tick Act. This interagency plan aims to address the challenges related to vector-borne diseases and outlines federal priorities to detect, prevent, respond to, and control these diseases and conditions in the United States.

With contributions from over 50 representatives across various federal agencies, the VBD National Strategy represents the largest formal federal coordination effort focused on vector-borne disease prevention and control. The collaborative effort seeks to address the significant public health challenges posed by these diseases, incorporate a One Health approach to enhance coordination across human, animal, and environmental areas, and reverse the upward trends in illness, suffering, and death.

The Growing Problem of Vector-Borne Diseases

Vector-borne diseases, transmitted by biting insects and arachnids, have become a major cause of death and illness worldwide, posing an increasing threat to the health and well-being of people in the United States. Diseases and conditions such as Lyme disease, Zika virus, West Nile virus, dengue, malaria, plague, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and alpha-gal syndrome are among those spread by vectors.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reported cases of these diseases have doubled over the last two decades. Factors such as shifting land use patterns, global travel and trade, and a changing climate have contributed to the continued growth of existing and emerging vector-borne diseases. As the geographic ranges of vectors expand, the number of pathogens spread by vectors continues to rise, despite only one vaccine being available to protect people against almost 20 domestic threats.

Goals of the Vector-Borne Disease National Strategy

The escalating public health threat of vector-borne diseases necessitates a comprehensive and sustained national effort to protect people. In 2020, the U.S. government published a framework responding to this growing challenge, emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach to combat these diseases and mitigate their impact on public health.

The VBD National Strategy sets out key goals to combat vector-borne diseases, including the detection, prevention, response, and control of these diseases and conditions. By incorporating a One Health approach that considers the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, the strategy aims to enhance coordination and communication across these areas to effectively address the threat of vector-borne diseases.

Furthermore, the strategy seeks to reverse the upward trends in illness, suffering, and death caused by vector-borne diseases, underscoring the urgent need for concerted efforts to tackle this public health challenge.