Mosquitoes, ticks, flies and pollinators drew a crowd at the National
Museum of Health and Medicine's Bugapalooza in Silver Spring, Maryland,
June 13. Nearly 400 visitors attended the annual event to explore the
world of insects through hands-on activities, exhibits, and
conversations with military and civilian experts.
Throughout the day, visitors learned how insects affect health, support
the environment and affect military readiness. Children explored
interactive stations, families met researchers and guests discovered
simple ways to stay safe from insect-borne diseases.
While each presenter brought a different area of expertise, one message
stood out: education is one of the best tools for prevention.
"The first way that anyone protects themselves is by learning. Education
is our number one priority," said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jodi Fiorenzano, Armed
Forces Pest Management Board chief of research.
Experts explained that understanding insects is important, not only
for public health but also for military operations. Insects and the
diseases they carry have affected military forces throughout history and
remain a threat today.
"Historically, infectious diseases have impacted soldiers much more than
bullets and shrapnel," said Army Maj. Paul Lenhart, an entomologist
assigned to the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. "A huge portion
of those infectious diseases are [illnesses caused by parasites, viruses
and bacteria]."
Vector-borne diseases, transmitted between people or from animals to
people, can have a serious impact on military units, said Army Maj.
Obinna Aduba, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious
Diseases chief of vector threat assessment.
"It can incapacitate a whole unit," Aduba added.
Presenters also explained how military teams prepare before service
members deploy. Experts study local health threats to help protect
forces operating around the world.
"We cannot put forces on the ground anywhere without first making sure
that they're going to be safe and the environment is going to be safe,"
said Navy Lt. Jacob Kabbah, Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
comptroller.
The event also focused on steps visitors can take to protect themselves and their families. Experts encouraged the use of insect repellent, protective clothing and routine tick checks after spending time outdoors.
By the end of the day, visitors left with more than fun memories and
hands-on experiences. They left with a better understanding of how
education, research and prevention help protect service members,
families and communities.
From mosquitoes and ticks to pollinators and other helpful insects,
Bugapalooza 2026 showed that even the smallest creatures can have a big
impact on the world.
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