Join CDC’s May 1 Vector-Borne Diseases Thunderclap #VitalSigns

Partner with CDC by joining the #VectorBorneDiseases Thunderclap!

On May 1, 2018, CDC will be releasing a Vital Signs report highlighting the nation's increasing risk of vector-borne diseases and what can be done to reduce those risks. Join us in sharing information to increase awareness about how we can all help take steps to address and stop the vector-borne disease threat. https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/index.html #CDC #VitalSigns

Widespread and difficult to control, vector-borne diseases, spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, tick, or flea, are major causes of illness and death worldwide. The growing number and spread of these diseases pose an increasing risk in the United States. State and local health department and vector control organizations are on the frontlines for detecting, tracking and monitoring, responding to, and preventing diseases spread by mosquito, tick, and flea bites. However, according to a recent NACCHO survey, over 80 percent of US vector control organizations lack critical prevention and control competencies.

To better address current threats, like Lyme disease and West Nile virus, and ensure that we as a nation are prepared for the next one, we must:

• Build or rebuild state and local capabilities and capacity,
• Partner with public health stakeholders and vector control organizations to detect and respond to threats,
• Develop and improve laboratory tests, and
• Educate the public about how to protect themselves and their communities.

Vital Signs is a report that appears as part of CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Vital Signs provides the latest data and information on key health threats. Some topics include cancer, HIV/AIDS, prescription drug overdoses, antibiotic resistance, suicide, asthma, and global health.

JOIN the Vector-Borne Disease Thunderclap today

Thunderclap helps amplify social media messages by connecting partners and friends to share the same message at the same time through Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr. The @CDC NCEZID Twitter account is hosting the Vector-Borne Disease Thunderclap, and you can join with this link: https://bit.ly/2JaHmjY.

PROMOTE the Thunderclap with your members on social media

Here are some sample social media messages that you are welcome to use as soon as possible.

Twitter/Facebook

• Everyone has a role in controlling and preventing diseases from mosquito and tick bites. Join CDC's #VectorBorneDiseases Thunderclap https://bit.ly/2JaHmjY
• Sign up for CDC's #VectorBorneDiseases Thunderclap https://bit.ly/2JaHmjY
• Join CDC's #VectorBorneDiseases Thunderclap https://bit.ly/2JaHmjY
• Partner with CDC by joining the #VectorBorneDiseases Thunderclap! https://bit.ly/2JaHmjY
• It's not too late! Join CDC's #VectorBorneDiseases Thunderclap to recognize the growing national threat! https://bit.ly/2JaHmjY

SHARE CDC's mosquito- and tickborne disease resources

Share the following resources on your website.

• CDC's Vital Signs: https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/index.html (content available May 1, 1 p.m. ET)
• Division of Vector-Borne Diseases: https://www.cdc.gov/vector
• Ticks: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks
• Tickborne Diseases of the United States: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/diseases
• Prevent Tick Bites on People: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_people.html
• Prevent Tick Bites on Pets: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_pets.html
• Prevent Ticks in the Yard: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/in_the_yard.html
• Mosquito Control Capabilities in the US: NACCHO Report
• Prevent Mosquito Bites: https://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/prevent-mosquito-bites.html
• Integrated Mosquito Management: https://www.cdc.gov/zika/vector/integrated_mosquito_management.html
• ArboNET: https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/resourcepages/survresources.html
• Disease Maps: https://wwwn.cdc.gov/arbonet/maps/ADB_Diseases_Map/index.html