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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 & First Aid

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for PROC and TIME

Date: July 17, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Procurement Unit Leader (PROC) and Time Unit Leader (TIME).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) 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 update, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Procurement Unit Leader Position Page

NWCG Time Unit Leader Position Page

National Wildland Firefighter Day

Date: July 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
National Interagency Fire Center

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) recognizes July 2, 2025, as National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD). Established in 2022, NWFFD honors the dedication of wildland firefighters and support personnel. This day falls within the 2025 Week of Remembrance (June 30 - July 6), providing an opportunity to renew our commitment to wildland firefighter safety while remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty.

NWCG provides leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. NWCG standards and training establish common practices to contribute to safe, effective, and coordinated interagency wildland fire operations nationwide.

References:

Week of Remembrance

National Wildland Firefighter Day

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 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—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003