Diseases that can be spread by a mosquito bite are known as mosquito-borne diseases. Zika, West Nile, Chikungunya, dengue, and malaria are among the diseases transmitted to humans by mosquitoes.

Workers and employers alike should take precautions to avoid contracting diseases from mosquitoes. After being bitten by an infected mosquito, some individuals contract a mild, short-term illness or (rarely) a severe, long-term illness. Deadly cases of diseases spread by mosquitoes can occur.

Workers at Risk When they are working in an area where mosquitoes are biting, workers are at risk. Mosquitoes of various species can be found in a variety of geographical locations, are most active at various times, and spread a variety of diseases. The location of the work, the type of habitat present at the site, the season, and the time of day all have an impact on the risk that workers face.

Risky employees include:

Workers in the outdoors Business travelers who might travel to areas with mosquito-borne diseases Laborers who might work with samples, cultures, or arthropods that might be infected Healthcare workers who might handle patients who might be infected with particular mosquito-borne diseases A skin break or a sharp penetration injury may result in transmission.
Recommendations from Employers Some mosquitoes lay eggs in or close to standing water. At workplaces, reduce the number of mosquitoes by:
removing, turning over, storing, or covering equipment removing debris from ditches filling in ruts and other areas that collect standing water removing water-collecting tires, buckets, bottles, and barrels putting drain holes in water-collecting containers Keep mosquitoes out by making sure that doors and windows have screens and are kept closed when possible.
Provide instruction on:
the dangers of being bitten by a mosquito and how to avoid them, diseases spread by mosquitoes, and how to use insect repellents safely. Give workers clothing that covers their hands, arms, legs, and other exposed skin, and encourage them to wear it. Provide hats with netting to repel mosquitoes to safeguard the neck and face.
Include one of the active ingredients listed below in an insect repellentexternal icon that has been registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): DEET, picaridin (KBR 3023 and icaridin outside of the United States), IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone are all examples of these chemicals.
Employ insect repellents that have been registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)external icon and contain one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin (KBR 3023 and icaridin outside of the United States), IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone are all examples of these chemicals.
Make use of the EPA’s search toolexternal icon to determine which insect repellent is best for you.
Even for women who are breastfeeding or who are pregnant, insect repellents that have been registered with the EPA have been shown to be safe and effective when used as directed.
Apply insect repellent after applying sunscreen if you also use sunscreen.
Permethrin can be used to treat gear and clothing.
Wear clothing that covers your hands, arms, legs, and any other skin that is exposed. To keep mosquitoes out of your face and neck, wear hats with nets.
Workers who experience symptoms of a disease transmitted by mosquitoes should promptly notify their supervisor and seek medical attention. To reduce the number of places where mosquitoes can lay eggs, remove standing water from objects like tires, buckets, and barrels.