Fight the Bite: Avoiding Vector-Borne Disease
Published Date: Apr 05
image by James Gathany
As warmer weather nears, it is important to remain vigilant in preventing tick- and mosquito-borne diseases as you plan your outdoor excursions.
Along with the continued risk of contracting diseases already established in the U.S., climate change and increased globalization are expanding the geographical range of key vectors, such as the mosquito species that transmit chikungunya and zika virus.
Most vector-borne diseases have no cure so, when traveling into your back yard or beyond you’re only left with the choice of an ounce or a pound of prevention.
Fortunately, we can all take steps such as:
The CDC also provides educational information on approved repellents and other methods for preventing tick and mosquito bites.
OH&S Safety Short: Fight the Bite


Along with the continued risk of contracting diseases already established in the U.S., climate change and increased globalization are expanding the geographical range of key vectors, such as the mosquito species that transmit chikungunya and zika virus.
Most vector-borne diseases have no cure so, when traveling into your back yard or beyond you’re only left with the choice of an ounce or a pound of prevention.
Fortunately, we can all take steps such as:
- use an effective insect repellent on skin and clothing
- wear long sleeves and long pants (when it's not too hot)
- take care of our yards to get rid of standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs
- reduce brush, tall grasses, leaf litter, and harborage where ticks may like to hang out
The CDC also provides educational information on approved repellents and other methods for preventing tick and mosquito bites.
OH&S Safety Short: Fight the Bite
Staying Informed During Times of Disasters
Published Date: Feb 25
Part 3 of 3
By now, you have your disaster kit built and you've developed your disaster plan and practiced it. You're ready for any disaster that may strike! Right? Wrong?
Part of any good plan should incorporate information flow. How will you get information to know what first responders are doing so you will know what you and your family will need to do yourself? How will you know what areas have particular hazards caused by the disaster?
Severe weather disasters can include downed power lines, frozen roads, and flooded streams as well as cause hazardous materials to be released in your area. Staying informed is the final key to survival. A kit or plan alone will not save you. Only when you have the final piece to the puzzle can you say that you are prepared.
For more information go to uab.edu/emergency.
By now, you have your disaster kit built and you've developed your disaster plan and practiced it. You're ready for any disaster that may strike! Right? Wrong?
Part of any good plan should incorporate information flow. How will you get information to know what first responders are doing so you will know what you and your family will need to do yourself? How will you know what areas have particular hazards caused by the disaster?
Severe weather disasters can include downed power lines, frozen roads, and flooded streams as well as cause hazardous materials to be released in your area. Staying informed is the final key to survival. A kit or plan alone will not save you. Only when you have the final piece to the puzzle can you say that you are prepared.
For more information go to uab.edu/emergency.
Having a Disaster Plan
Published Date: Feb 24
Part 2 of 3
You may have all of your disaster supplies gathered up and all in one place. You may have practiced using some of the supplies in your kit so you'll know how to use them when the time comes. But, did you know that not having a plan that everyone in your family has practiced could lead to a much more significant personal disaster than it has to be?
Disasters happen then things are hectic and chaos ensues. Having and practicing a plan will allow you and your loved ones to think instinctively in an emergency. You want to have a plan that everyone knows and, when the time comes, can act without thinking much about it. As the Nike slogan says “Just Do It!”.
For more information on creating and testing a plan visit uab.edu/emergency.
You may have all of your disaster supplies gathered up and all in one place. You may have practiced using some of the supplies in your kit so you'll know how to use them when the time comes. But, did you know that not having a plan that everyone in your family has practiced could lead to a much more significant personal disaster than it has to be?
Disasters happen then things are hectic and chaos ensues. Having and practicing a plan will allow you and your loved ones to think instinctively in an emergency. You want to have a plan that everyone knows and, when the time comes, can act without thinking much about it. As the Nike slogan says “Just Do It!”.
For more information on creating and testing a plan visit uab.edu/emergency.