Division of Vector-borne Diseases

**At a glance** NCEZID's Division of Vector-Borne Diseases (DVBD) works to identify and respond to vector-borne diseases that affect human health domestically and globally. **Our mission** DVBD's mission is to protect people from illness, suffering, and death due to vector-borne diseases. **Priorities** - Identify and detect vector-borne pathogens that cause diseases in people - Understand when, where, how often, and how people are exposed to vector-borne pathogens - Prevent exposure to vector-borne pathogens and mitigate consequences of infection - Implement vector-borne disease diagnostics, surveillance, control, and prevention programs **Why it matters** Americans are at an increasing risk of vector-borne diseases, and the United States is not adequately prepared to respond to these threats. Vector-borne pathogens are spread to people and animals primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito, tick, or flea. Only a few mosquito-borne viruses can be prevented with vaccines. In most cases, people need to protect themselves from mosquito, tick, and flea bites to prevent infection. **Our work** We strive to protect the nation from viruses and bacteria spread by mosquitoes, ticks, or fleas. - Identify and respond to emerging and newly discovered pathogens threatening the United States and the world. - Develop and improve diagnostic tests and serve as a global reference laboratory for vector-borne pathogens. - Develop and evaluate vaccines for dengue, Japanese encephalitis, and other vector-borne viruses and bacteria. - Train domestic and global public health workers to prevent, diagnose, and control vector-borne diseases. - Conduct surveillance and monitor the impact and spread of vector-borne diseases. - Discover vector-borne pathogens by using traditional laboratory methods and advanced molecular detection methods.