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Bugs We Hate Part 2 - Mosquitoes

What are “vector-borne diseases”?

Ticks and mosquitoes are not only pesky and annoying, but they can carry some nasty diseases. Diseases transmitted from their bites are called “vector-borne diseases.” There are long lists of vector-borne diseases, but we will focus on just a few here.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can transmit a variety of illnesses, and like ticks, the initial symptoms may be similar and vague:

  • Zika virus symptoms (Puerto Rico, Mexico): fever, rash, headache, joint pain, conjunctivitis (red eyes), muscle pain
  • West Nile virus symptoms (USA): fever, headache, body and joint pain, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, rash
  • Dengue virus symptoms (Puerto Rico, USA in rare cases): aches and pains (eye pain typically behind the eyes, muscle, bone, joint pain), nausea/vomiting, rash
  • Malaria parasitic disease symptoms (USA in rare cases): flu-like illness (fever, chills, headache, body ache, tiredness, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea) and sometimes yellow skin or eyes (Jaundice).

Infections of the brain (encephalitis) are possible with many of these mosquito vector-borne diseases. If you or a colleague become ill and have had recent mosquito bites, please seek medical attention. Many of these potential illnesses require very specific tests and a high index of suspicion based on the healthcare provider knowing you have been bitten.

These bites can also become infected through scratching and the dirty environment we work in. Watch for unusual spread of redness, warmth, streaks, or other signs of skin infection.

The Best Medicine is Prevention!

  • Spray your outdoor clothing, shoes, tent, and other gear with a repellent that is 0.5% permethrin.
  • Use a repellent with DEET – 20% is recommended.

Bite Care

  • Apply a mixture of baking soda and water, which can help reduce the itch response.
    • Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with just enough water to create a paste.
    • Apply the paste to the mosquito bite.
    • Wait 10 minutes.
    • Wash off the paste.
  • Use an over-the-counter anti-itch, hydrocortisone, or antihistamine cream to help relieve itching. Follow the product label directions.

Discussion Questions:

  • What can you do to prevent vector-borne diseases from mosquitoes?
  • What are the signs to be looking out for?

References:

Category
Firefighter Health and First Aid

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Date:  July 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics/Equipment Management Committee (LMC) has released Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups. This advisory highlights multiple U.S. Forest Service regions reporting front driveline joint failure incidents.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to: 

  • Follow all Ram-issued inspection, maintenance, and service guidance for front driveline joints. 
  • Consider installing a driveline loop. 
  • Coordinate with fleet managers and service providers to determine the most appropriate driveline loop kit for each pickup.

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory.

References:

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Technical Service Bulletin: 03-002-21

NEW! NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Date:  July 9, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Staff

NWCG is excited to announce the publication of the NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900.

The new publication establishes general, consistent, and uniform standards for conducting business with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

References:

NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Quarter Four Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  July 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Fourth Quarter materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available. This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

Quarter Four materials focus on Leadership Level 4: Leader of Leaders (Provide Direction). Leadership Level 4 is where you are setting the conditions for others to do things well, even when you are not present. This quarter focuses on equipping experienced leaders with skills to provide direction, build trust across teams, and foster strong decision making. 

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Development Subcommittee

2026 Week of Remembrance

Date:  June 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: 6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2026 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on past incidents from 2016 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2026 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center