Travel-Associated Illnesses Spread by Mosquitoes or Other Biting Insects

Travel-associated illnesses spread by mosquitoes or other biting insects such as biting midges (also called "no-see-ums") are illnesses that people can get while traveling outside of Wisconsin and often outside of the U.S. Some travel-associated illnesses spread by mosquitoes include chikungunya virus, dengue virus, Zika virus, malaria, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis virus. Oropouche virus is a travel-associated illness spread by biting midges and mosquitoes.

Not all insect bites will make you sick, but it is still important to take steps to protect yourself and your family while traveling to regions where these and other illnesses exist. Travel-associated illnesses spread by mosquitoes or other biting insects are preventable. Please visit the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Travelers' Health page for more information on how to protect yourself from insect bites while traveling.

Chikungunya Virus

Asian Tiger Mosquito on stalk

Chikungunya virus is transmitted in certain countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the Caribbean, and the Americas.

Dengue Virus

Adult and child enjoying a tropical beach view from a parapet

Mosquitoes that spread dengue can be found in tropical and subtropical regions. Dengue is preventable.

Malaria

Passenger plane in flight over clouds

Mosquitoes that spread malaria can be found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Yellow Fever

Tourists at Iguazu Falls on the border of Brazil and Argentina

Yellow fever virus is spread in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America.

Zika Virus

A silhouette of a mosquito about to bite against golden background

Zika virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito, but can also be transmitted through sexual interaction or from mother to child. Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause birth defects.

Oropouche Virus

A macro shot of a tiny biting midge feeding on the blood of a human

Oropouche virus is spread to people primarily by infected biting midges and some mosquitoes. Wisconsin residents who travel to an area where Oropouche virus is found are at risk for infection.

Questions about illnesses spread by mosquitoes? Contact us!
Phone: 608-267-9003 | Fax: 608-261-4976

Glossary

 
Last revised March 9, 2025