A needs assessment survey on vector-borne disease prevention methods used by Pennsylvania residents

According to the CDC, the number of vector-borne disease cases has tripled over the past decade. In the absence of viable vaccination options for many vector-borne diseases, control often relies on surveillance methods and community-based education on individual and landscape-level prevention methods. While community knowledge and awareness of prevention methods can decrease risk of vector-borne disease transmission, strategies should also focus on reducing barriers, highlighting the benefits to change behaviors, and instilling these behaviors as social norms. This talk will present data from a statewide survey on tactics Pennsylvania residents use to prevent bites from arthropod vectors and how synergistic efforts from research and Penn State Extension can improve communication and educational efforts on vector-borne disease prevention. Data from this survey will be used to prioritize topics, materials, and efforts to protect communities and stakeholders in Pennsylvania from vector-borne diseases.