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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

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety of the wildland fire community. These awards are well deserved.

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee

Make an Impact: Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date:  June 11, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

Note: Positions with an * will last approximately 6 months.
Positions with ** will last 12 - 18 months.

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. IPTM aims to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model by updating position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the Fall 2026 positions listed below:

  • Equipment Manager (EQPM)*
  • Fixed Wing Parking Tender (FWPT)**
  • Mixmaster (MXMS)*
  • Public Information Officer Complex (PIOC)*
  • Retardant Crewmember (RTCM)*
  • Strike Team Leader Crew (STCR)*
  • Strike Team Leader Engine (STEN)*
  • Strike Team Leader Heavy Equipment (STEQ)*
  • Task Force Leader (TFLD)**
  • Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF)** 

Projects begin October 2026. Sign up by July 10, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for additional details. 

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters

Date:  May 28, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has issued Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters. Research from 2016 to 2025 shows that 88 cases of rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) were reported. Analysis of reports from eSafety, the Safety Management Information System (SMIS), and the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) indicates that rhabdo is common during this time of year due to Work Capacity Tests and contributing factors such as weather, hydration, nutrition, and medication or supplement use.

RMC issued this safety bulletin to raise awareness in the Wildland Fire Community, and to provide research findings and educational resources that support reducing future cases of rhabdo.

References:

NWCG Alerts

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters