CDC warning about increase in mosquito, tick & flea illnesses

The Centers for Disease Control is issuing a warning after it found that the number of Americans getting diseases from mosquitoes, ticks and fleas has more than tripled in recent years.

Between 2004-16 nearly 700,000 cases of 16 insect borne illnesses were reported to the CDC.

Researchers say bugs caused more than 96,000 cases last year alone. The CDC says overseas travel is a major factor for the rise of new cases. 

Scientists also discovered nine new diseases carried by insects since 2004.

The most common tick borne disease is Lyme disease. West Nile and Zika are still the most common mosquito borne infections.

Wearing bug spray with DEET can help fight off the bugs. Experts say to check for ticks after spending time outdoors.

Other helpful tips include getting rid of all standing water, dressing in long sleeves and pants and avoiding outside during dawn and dusk.

It's something Austinites should be aware of. Terminix released its ranking of the 20 most mosquito infected cities across the nation and Austin came in at number eight.

Experts say if you've been bitten by any of these insects symptoms can be muscle aches, a rash and a fever. Symptoms though can be very vague so contact a doctor just in case.