Gulf South VECTOR works to prevent and control vector-borne diseases through research, outreach, and strategic partnerships. We provide tools and knowledge to help communities reduce the impact of mosquitoes and other disease-carrying vectors.
World Rabies Day is observed every September 28 to raise awareness about rabies prevention and the global effort to eliminate the disease.
Today, safe and effective vaccines are available for both animals and humans, and community awareness remains the key driver of successful prevention efforts. In the United States, 1.4 million Americans seek healthcare for possible rabies exposure each year, yet fewer than 10 die annually thanks to robust prevention efforts and timely post-exposure treatment.
Bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes are the major wildlife carriers of rabies in the U.S., and contact with infected bats is the leading cause of human rabies deaths. Rabid dogs are uncommon in the U.S. due to effective prevention and control programs.
Vaccinate your pets, know the signs of rabies, and seek medical attention immediately after any potential exposure. 🐾
#WorldRabiesDay #OneHealth #RabiesPrevention
World Environmental Health Day is a reminder that the environments where we live, work, and play have a direct impact on our health. 🌍🦟
Environmental health professionals work behind the scenes to identify risks, translate science into policy, and protect communities from hazards. Vector control is one example of environmental health in action, bringing together surveillance, science, and community participation to reduce disease risk.
On this day, we recognize the professionals doing that work and encourage everyone to play their part in keeping our communities healthy and safe.
#WorldEnvironmentalHealthDay #EnvironmentalHealth #VectorControl #PublicHealth
Jamestown Canyon virus spreads to people through the bite of an infected mosquito, making it a mosquito‑borne disease.
The virus circulates between mosquitoes and deer and other animals. People are dead‑end hosts, meaning they cannot pass the virus back to mosquitoes. Most infections are mild, with symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue, though severe illness, including meningitis or encephalitis, can occur.
There are no vaccines or medicines to prevent or treat Jamestown Canyon virus disease. The best protection is to prevent mosquito bites.
🔗 Visit the link in our bio for more information
Your pet might not be the only animal interested in their dinner. 🐾
Rodents are opportunistic feeders, and unattended pet food is one of the most common attractants around homes and neighborhoods. Once they establish a reliable food source, they begin nesting nearby, increasing the risk of property damage and disease.
#GulfSouthVector #RodentPrevention #WildlifeSafety
Happy first day of fall! 🍂
It`s a beautiful time to get outside, but wooded areas, leaf piles, and tall grass are prime habitat for ticks. As leaves fall and accumulate on the ground, they create the warm, moist conditions ticks need to survive and find hosts. Ticks remain active in the fall and can be difficult to spot against fall foliage and clothing.
Wearing an EPA-registered repellent, treating clothing and gear with permethrin, and doing a thorough tick check after any time spent outdoors are simple steps that can help protect you and your family this season.
#FallSafety #TickSafety #PersonalProtection #VectorControl
✨ Gulf South VECTOR Partner Spotlight: Nina Dacko ✨
Nina Dacko has worked in mosquito surveillance and vector control since 2006, with experience across Illinois, California, and Texas.
She holds a B.S. in Entomology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and an M.S. in Environmental Toxicology from Texas Tech University. Nina has led mosquito and vector control programs at Tarrant County Public Health and Harris County Public Health.
Today, she works with the Gulf South VECTOR Training and Education Center to support vector control education and program assessment across Texas.
She is also active in TMCA, AMCA, NACCHO, and NEHA, helping advance mosquito and vector control efforts at the state and national level. 🦟✨
This full-day, in-person training event focuses on practical pest and disease vector management during outbreaks, disasters, and other emergency conditions, with an emphasis on hands-on training, field-based identification and inspection, pesticide safety, and coordination with public agencies.
Sign up via the link in our bio!
Protecting yourself and your community from mosquito-borne diseases does not have to be complicated 🦟🌿
Regularly checking your outdoor spaces for standing water helps keep mosquito numbers down, and taking steps to protect yourself and keep mosquitoes out of your home reduces your risk of bites. Sharing that knowledge with neighbors extends that protection beyond your own home. Mosquito control is a team effort, and every action counts.
#MosquitoSafety #SourceReduction #PersonalProtection #VectorControl
Questing is the behavior ticks use to find a host.
They climb vegetation, hold on with their back legs, and stretch their front legs ready to latch onto anything that walks by. To prevent them from grabbing on, use repellent, treat clothing with permethrin, and avoid brushing against tall grass, weeds, and shrubs where ticks quest.
Photo Source: Jacquez Daniels, FAMU
