Mosquito risk increased by recent flooding

Residents Urged to Use Repellents, Other Methods to Prevent Bites

Standing water provides the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, so flooded areas in middle and west Tennessee could cause significant increases in populations of these disease-carrying pests. The Tennessee Department of Health is reminding residents working to clean up homes, businesses and other facilities in Tennessee to take steps to help prevent illnesses associated with mosquitoes.

 “Prevention is the first line of defense from mosquitoes, and we have worked hard to reduce mosquito-borne illnesses in Tennessee,” said Tennessee Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “As families work to clean out and restore their homes in the days and weeks ahead, it’s imperative that mosquito repellants be used and other recautions be taken to protect our health.” [Read more]

Protect yourself from tick and mosquito bites to prevent illness

TDOH reports some tick-borne illnesses on the rise

NASHVILLE – Summer is the peak time for people to be bitten by ticks and mosquitoes, which may carry diseases that can infect humans. The Department of Health tracks cases of these diseases and has noted a recent increase in human cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Ehrlichiosis, both of which are transmitted through tick bites. TDOH urges Tennesseans to follow commonsense precautions to protect themselves and help reduce the risk of illness.

Statistics from the TDOH Communicable and Environmental Diseases Services show a moderate increase of 65 confirmed cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever statewide for this year, compared to 46 for the same period last year. CEDS also reports 17 confirmed cases of Ehrlichiosis statewide so far this year, compared to 14 for this time in 2008.

“Increases in these illnesses typically occur during the summer months. The increased number of cases this year compared to last year is a reminder of the importance of preventing tick bites and controlling ticks around our homes,” said John Dunn, DVM, PhD, public health veterinarian with TDOH. “If you do find a tick on your skin, removing it promptly will reduce your risk of illness.”

Ticks are common in Tennessee, and can be found on lawns and in household landscaping as well as wooded areas. These precautions can help you protect yourself in environments where ticks are present: [Read more]