Zika and Other Diseases Demand Awareness among Travelers
January 27, 2016
Areas with Warmer Climates Present Need for Increased Protection Strategies
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health cautions travelers headed to Mexico, Central and South America, Hawaii and Caribbean islands including Puerto Rico and other locations with year-round warm climates to have increased awareness about the threat of mosquito-borne illnesses and to take appropriate bite protection measures.
The cautionary message follows a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that all pregnant women consider postponing travel to areas where an emerging health threat, zika virus infection, is ongoing.
Zika virus, dengue and chikungunya virus are spread to people through mosquito bites.
Blue Bell Creameries recalls all of it’s products due to possible Health Risk
April 21, 2015
Brenham, TX – Blue Bell Ice Cream of Brenham, Texas, is voluntarily recalling all of its products currently on the market made at all of its facilities including ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet and frozen snacks because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
Blue Bell enhanced sampling program revealed that Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream half gallons produced on March 17th, 2015, and March 27th, 2015, contained the bacteria.
Measles outbreak in California underscores importance of Immunization
February 6, 2015
Nashville, TN – Measles, a disease considered eradicated in the United States, is making headlines due to a growing outbreak linked to a California amusement park. Most of the people infected with measles in this outbreak were not vaccinated against the disease.
While Tennessee does not yet have any reported measles cases in 2015 and no cases linked to this outbreak at this time, the Tennessee Department of Health is reminding everyone of the importance of routine vaccination against measles and other illnesses.
A child receiving an immunization
Tennessee Department of Health confirms First Human West Nile Virus case of 2014
June 25, 2014
People Urged to Eliminate Standing Water, Take Precautions during Outdoor Activities
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed one human case of West Nile Virus this week, the first human case confirmed in Tennessee in 2014.
The WNV case involves a resident of Shelby County who is now recovering.
Mosquito populations in Tennessee are at their peak May through October. There is no human vaccine for West Nile Virus; therefore, Tennesseans are urged to take preventive measures to avoid being bitten by infected mosquitoes.
Tennessee Department of Health says Measles Protection important for all who travel outside the United States
May 6, 2014
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health is reminding those who travel abroad of the need for vaccination against measles.
Although measles was officially eradicated from the United States in 2000, it is still present in other regions of the world including Western Europe and cases continue to occur among Americans returning from foreign travel and among foreign visitors to the United States.
Vaccination against measles is extremely effective. [Read more]
American Heart Association says “The heat is here! Is your heart ready?”
June 11, 2013
Heat is hard on the heart; take precautions and stay healthy
Nashville, TN – The calendar says it’s still spring, but the extreme temperatures we’re about to feel this week have moved this item to the top of the weekend agenda: preventing heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can have serious effects on health.
Here’s what the American Heart Association wants you to know, so you can beat the heat: [Read more]
Tennessee Department of Health says Measles and Mumps Outbrakes reported in some States, Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccinations Urged
April 29, 2013
Nashville, TN – Recent outbreaks of measles and mumps in several states are prompting health officials to issue reminders about the importance of Measles-Mumps-Rubella, or MMR, vaccinations.
While some may think of measles and mumps as diseases of the past, the viruses are still common in much of the world, including Western Europe. Both are very contagious and can infect anyone who has not had measles or mumps and has not been properly vaccinated. [Read more]
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 says Measles Protection is Important for Everyone
June 2, 2012
Vaccination has Eradicated Measles in United States
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health is reminding Tennesseans of the need for vaccination against measles. Although measles was officially eliminated from the United States in 2000 as the result of high vaccination rates, it is still present in other regions of the world.
A small number of cases continue to occur among Americans who have traveled abroad or come into contact with someone returning from foreign travel. In 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a 15-year high in the number of measles cases in the U.S. [Read more]
American Heart Association says The heat is here! Is your heart ready?
May 25, 2012
Nashville, TN – The calendar says it’s still spring, but the extreme July temperatures we’re feeling have moved this item to the top of the weekend agenda: preventing heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can have serious effects on health.
Heat is hard on the heart; take precautions and stay healthy. [Read more]
