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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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NEW! S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 22, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the new S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal.

This third course in the series combines online and instructor-led training components aimed at individuals who are involved in planning, managing, and executing wildland fire and prescribed burn operations; who require a thorough understanding of fire behavior calculations to enhance effectiveness and safety. This includes students who require the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of a Type 3 Incident Commander (ICT3), Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS), or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2).

Students are required to be qualified as any Single Resource Boss position and complete the prerequisite S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire behavior (Blended) course, before enrolling in S-390.

References:

S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 18, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal!

This blended course combines online learning with instructor-led training, designed for individuals seeking to build leadership skills and gain experience in incident management.

Students are required to complete the prerequisite trainings ICS-100, Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS), ICS-200, Basic ICS for Initial Response, and ICS-700, An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) prior to attending S-320.

References:

S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

New! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 16, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the new Ransom Road Fire Module to RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR).

This module features a firsthand account from Rob Lee, official reports, and animated maps of the Ransom Road Fire which occurred on June 8, 1981, in Florida's Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The module is available now in NWCG's RT-130, WFSTAR Catalog.

References:

WFSTAR Catalog

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

Call for Nominations: Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Date: December 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
 Leadership Committee 

Do you know someone working in wildland fire who strives to make positive change and is undeterred by obstacles or setbacks? Now is your chance to give that person the acknowledgment they deserve by nominating them for a Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

This award, is presented by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason's contributions to the wildland fire community and to recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership – those who lead by example.

Nominations can be submitted via email with an attached Lead by Example Form to BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov or through the online form. 

Tips for successful nominations and more information can be found on the Lead by Example webpage. All nominations must be submitted by December 31, 2025.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award 

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award Nomination Form 2025 

Leadership Committee