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]