Distribution of Vector Abundance and Infection Rates in Relation to Human Vector-Borne Disease Cases in Nebraska

Abstract Vector-borne diseases represent a growing public health issue nationwide. Nebraska reports a sustained burden of mosquito-borne diseases and expanding tick-borne disease risk. This study aims to assess trends in vector abundance, vector infection rates, and human vector-borne disease reports using retrospective surveillance data and to examine the relationship between vector factors and human risk across the state. Vector abundance and pathogen infection rates were mapped alongside presence and incidence of key vector-borne diseases. Mosquito surveillance and mosquito-borne disease data were available from 2012-2024, while tick surveillance and associated tick-borne disease data were available from 2021-2024. Statistical models and comparative tests were used to explore associations between vector factors and disease reports. Overall, the current vector-borne disease surveillance suggests that mosquito-borne disease remains the primary concern in Nebraska, with notable geographic variation in mosquito species distribution and human cases. Tick surveillance indicates established populations of clinically relevant tick species in distinct regions of the state, with pathogen detections generally aligning with areas where human cases have been reported. Differences in the level of human case reporting and data availability affected interpretation of long-term trends and limited strong conclusions regarding direct relationships between vector factors and human disease. Nebraska maintains comprehensive vector-borne disease surveillance systems that support understandings of vector abundance, vector pathogen infection rates, and human risk. Continued integration of entomological surveillance with human case information may help clarify patterns of vector-borne disease risk and inform efforts to address current and emerging threats in Nebraska.