Vector-Borne Disease Division
Our Role
DPH's Division of Vector-Borne Diseases conducts vector-borne disease surveillance across the state in partnership with city and county officials, universities, and government entities to protect the health and well-being of South Carolinians. Insects or other arthropods, such as ticks and mites, that transmit disease-causing agents (pathogens) are called vectors.
The Division tests vector species for pathogens that can be transmitted to humans, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tests human samples for vector-borne diseases and relays that information to our division.
When vector-borne diseases are detected in human, animal, or arthropod samples, we provide recommendations to local government officials or vector control programs in the area to provide the appropriate response.
Key Points
- A person who gets bitten by a vector and gets sick could have a vector-borne disease.
- Examples of vectors that might transmit disease are mosquitoes, black flies, biting midges, sand flies, horse and deer flies, tsetse flies, triatomine bugs, lice, fleas, ticks, and mites.
Background
Mosquitoes and ticks are important arthropods that transmit pathogens to people and animals. The most common pathogens transmitted are viruses, bacteria, protozoa and filarial nematodes. Of these pathogens, viruses and bacteria are the most common in South Carolina.
Pathogens can be transmitted by arthropods in two basic ways: biological or mechanical. During biological (direct) transmission, pathogens develop or reproduce in the arthropod host. During mechanical (indirect) transmission, pathogens do not develop or reproduce in the arthropod host but are merely transmitted through physical contact.
Refer to the CDC’s A−Z Index of Vector-Borne Diseases and Conditions for more information about vector-borne diseases, conditions, and other topics.