Gulf South VECTOR’s “Did You Know?” campaign shares short, science-based messages that highlight how vectors impact public health and what can be done to reduce risk. Designed to be quick, informative, and easy to share, these posts help build awareness, correct common misconceptions, and support informed, community-wide action.
Aedes (Fredwardsius) vittatus (Bigot, 1861) is a mosquito species native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the western Mediterranean. Learn what to do if you spot this species in the Gulf South region.
Bella Termini is currently completing her M.S. in Tropical Medicine at the Tulane University Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, where she works in the lab of Dr. Dawn Wesson.
When considering all the core aspects that make a business memorable, you might think of products, services, or even marketing tactics. There is, however, something more fundamental at play that the average person often overlooks. This intangible facet of a successful business is branding and, subsequently, consistency.
Dr. Susanne Straif‑Bourgeois brings more than 30 years of experience in infectious disease epidemiology, working across multiple countries and public health settings. Her academic training and early research centered on vector‑borne diseases, with master’s and doctoral work examining disease transmission pathways in blood‑feeding arthropods and malaria vector capacity in North Cameroon. These foundations shaped a career dedicated to understanding, detecting, and responding to emerging infectious diseases.
Forest habitats are rarely part of the typical mosquito surveillance stops in the south, given how many medically important species exists in open water habitats and containers in suburban and urban spaces. However, in those deciduous forests often lingers an important and often overlooked species, Aedes triseriatus, commonly known as the eastern tree hole mosquito.
The Gulf Coast region of the United States provides a subtropical climate that is suitable for a myriad of arthropod disease vectors (mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, etc.) which is a significant factor in the transmission of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Lyme disease, and West Nile fever.
January, February, and March all have “walk your dog” themed pet holidays. These days celebrate and promote walking your pet, outlining the physical and mental health benefits that walking your pet may offer. Veterinarians promote routine exercise tailored for your individual pet to promote both pet health and the human-animal bond.
The Gulf South VECTOR initiative continues to build momentum across the Gulf states, expanding its reach and deepening its impact. With the support of a growing network of regional partners, the program has now trained more than 33,000 professionals and 6,500 students in vectors and vector borne disease prevention, an important milestone that reflects both the dedication of our team and the increasing need for a skilled, informed workforce.
Gulf South VECTOR has released a new downloadable social media toolkit focused on source reduction—one of the most effective ways to reduce mosquitoes and lower the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.