Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Honors Thesis (Open Access)

Department

Colby College. Environmental Studies Program

Advisor(s)

Gail Carlson

Second Advisor

Justin Becknell

Third Advisor

Cait Cleaver

Abstract

Climate change models predict shifts in vector-borne diseases (VBDs) around the world, including in the United States. However, to my knowledge there has yet to be a comprehensive descriptive epidemiological study examining prevalence, geographic distribution, and trends for all tick- and mosquito-borne diseases in the United States. I compiled data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which publishes yearly case numbers for 17 vector-borne diseases. However, these publications depend on a scattered framework of state regulations regarding disease reporting. I compiled data from the CDC to determine the current geographic distribution, prevalence, and trends of tick- and mosquito-borne diseases in the United States. There has been a striking increase in tick-borne diseases, which are more prevalent than mosquito-borne diseases in the United States. Mosquito-borne diseases do not show a clear trend, and only West Nile virus is prevalent. However, recent incidents of local transmission of globally relevant mosquito-borne disease in the U.S. indicates potential for a future emergence of significant numbers of dengue virus or malaria. I identified many data gaps that prevent full characterization of VBD trends in the United States. The results underscore the importance of continuous and vigilant disease surveillance on the county, state, and federal levels.

Keywords

epidemiology, climate change, disease burden, vector-borne disease, Lyme disease, West Nile Virus

Download

Available for download on Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Share

COinS