Tennessee Department of Health Confirms First Tennessee Measles Case for 2019
April 20, 2019
Tennessee Department of Health
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health is investigating a case of measles after the State Public Health Laboratory confirmed a positive test for the illness in a resident of the East Tennessee.
While the investigation is currently centered in East Tennessee, all Tennesseans should be aware of measles and its symptoms. These symptoms may include fever, runny nose, body aches, watery eyes and white spots in the mouth.
Measles starts with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat. It’s followed by a rash that spreads over the body. Measles virus is highly contagious virus and spreads through the air through coughing and sneezing. Make sure you and your child are protected with measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. (CDC)
Tennessee Department of Health says Disease Investigations linked to Increased Raw Milk Consumption
July 23, 2015
TDH Investigating Cases of Gastrointestinal Disease
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health is investigating multiple gastrointestinal disease reports among people who say they consumed raw milk prior to their illness. TDH has confirmed two cases of cryptosporidiosis in individuals in the Chattanooga/Hamilton County Region.
Both cases of illness are associated with consumption of raw milk from a dairy cow share program. TDH is interviewing additional participants in the program to determine if other people have been sickened.
Raw milk and products made from it can pose severe health risks, including death. (CDC)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report West Nile virus cases on the rise
September 13, 2012
Washington, D.C. – As of September 11th, 2012, 48 states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes. A total of 2,636 cases of West Nile virus disease in people, including 118 deaths, have been reported to CDC.
Of these, 1,405 (53%) were classified as neuroinvasive disease (such as meningitis or encephalitis) and 1,231 (47%) were classified as non-neuroinvasive disease.
West Nile virus (WNV) activity reported to ArboNET, by state, United States, 2012 (as of September 11th, 2012)
Tennessee Department of Health urges precautions to protect against Illness spread by Mosquito Bites
August 24, 2012
Nashville, TN – Tennessee’s Department of Health and Department of Agriculture are urging Tennesseans, including horse owners and veterinarians, to be on the alert for the re-emergence of viruses transmitted by mosquitoes.
As many states are experiencing one of the largest outbreaks of West Nile virus in recent years, Tennessee is beginning to see cases in humans and horses. In Tennessee, most human WNV cases occur in August and September, and so far this summer, there have been six human cases reported in the state.
A mosquito bites a human
Tennessee Department of Health says Don’t Let Pests Prevent Healthy Outdoor Activities
June 13, 2012
Nashville, TN – While ticks and mosquitoes are setting records for early arrival and rates of infectious diseases carried, the Department of Health reminds everyone that most people should not avoid healthy outdoor activity.
“Outdoor physical activity provides too many important health benefits to be cancelled because of ticks and mosquitoes,” said Abelardo Moncayo, Ph.D., with TDH Communicable and Environmental Diseases and Emergency Preparedness. ”It’s true diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever carried by ticks and West Nile virus carried by mosquitoes can be quite serious. Effective tick and mosquito-borne disease prevention strategies should be part of healthy outdoor exercise and recreation.” [Read more]
Tennessee confirms Human West Nile Virus Death
October 6, 2011
People Urged to Take Precautions during Outdoor Activities
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed the first death in Tennessee due to West Nile virus since 2009. The individual is a resident of Shelby County.
There have been 14 human cases of the illness in Tennessee so far this year. The Department of Health urges Tennesseans to continue to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites to protect themselves against West Nile virus. [Read more]
State lab Confirms West Nile Virus in Tennessee
June 22, 2011
Residents Strongly Encouraged to Take Precautions to Prevent Infection
Nashville, TN – The state Public Health Laboratory has confirmed West Nile Virus (WNV) in mosquitoes in Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis, prompting health officials to issue a statewide call to use repellents and take other precautions to prevent bites from mosquitoes and other insects.
These positive tests tell us that individuals bitten by mosquitoes in Tennessee could be at risk for contracting West Nile Virus, said Abelardo C. Moncayo, PhD, director of the Vector-Borne Diseases program for TDOH. We can help control mosquito populations and lessen the risk of infection by emptying containers with standing water, keeping doors and windows screened, and wearing mosquito repellent when outside. [Read more]
