Your health, climate change, and infectious disease
Click the blue links to access educational and community resources for further information.
Providers and patients: The information below can be downloaded and printed in English and Spanish from the links below. Each download also contains a QR code for access to live links.
Did you know?
You may be at risk for diseases that are new to where you live. Climate change has been linked to the increasing geographic spread of Lyme disease and worsening mosquito-borne and waterborne diseases such as malaria, West Nile virus, and more.
Action plan
- Avoid exposure in areas with low-level shrubbery and edges of woods.
- Dress appropriately: Cover skin with long pants, high socks, and closed-toed shoes; light-colored clothing makes ticks easier to find. Use insect repellent with DEET/permethrin for exposed areas.
- Conduct tick checks: Search clothing and body carefully including behind the knees; between fingers and toes, underarms and groin; belly button; in/behind ears; neck; hairline, and the top of the head
- Wash hands often to prevent spread of contagious disease
- Be aware of pesticide spraying and chemical exposures in your community during outbreaks
- Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms such as fevers, rashes, joint pains, abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc.
Community resources
Learn about water hygiene and how to stay safe when your water may not be safe to drink.
Explore this CDC website with details on identifying ticks/diseases.
Use the CDC Tick Bite Bot to learn how to remove ticks correctly and determine if you need to seek medical care.