Tennessee Department of Health says Bats are helpful Insect Eaters and Infrequent Rabies Carriers
August 6, 2014
Nashville, TN – The recent finding of a bat infected with rabies in Tennessee is a reminder these helpful, flying insect eaters should not be handled by humans.
Although only a few bats are identified with rabies in Tennessee each year, it can only take one contact with an infected bat to transmit the fatal disease. The last human case of rabies in Tennessee occurred over a decade ago when contact with a bat occurred but was not reported.
Bats can eat a thousand insects in an hour and are helpful in controlling mosquitoes.
Tennessee Department of Health says Stay Healthy and Safe while enjoying the Water this Summer
June 24, 2014
Nashville, TN – While swimming is a fun way to beat the heat and be physically active, thousands of Americans get sick every year due to germs found in the places where we swim.
“We can all help keep our swimming areas safe this summer by following a few easy steps,” said TDH Chief Medical Officer David Reagan, MD, PhD. “Taking precautions like showering before swimming and never letting children swim without supervision helps prevent illness and injuries.”
Stay Healthy and Safe while out Swimming this Summer.
Tennessee Department of Health says Rabies Vaccinations and Wildlife Awareness Saves Lives
May 17, 2014
Nashville, TN – Most Tennesseans have never seen an animal with rabies or known a family who has lost a loved one to the deadly disease.
While that’s a testament to vigorous statewide rabies vaccination efforts that started in 1954, the Tennessee Department of Health is reminding residents this disease could make a comeback if people become complacent. [Read more]
Tennessee Department of Health says Outbreak from Raw Milk underscores importance of Pasteurization
November 6, 2013
Nashville, TN – Tennessee Department of Health experts say at least eight cases of illness among children in East Tennessee are likely related to drinking “raw” or unpasteurized milk. The investigation has identified a specific type of Escherichia coli O157 as the cause of at least three of the illnesses.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOB2EFelMEQ[/youtube] [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]
Mosquito risk increased by recent Flooding
May 12, 2011
Residents Urged to Use Repellents, Other Methods to Prevent Bites
Nashville, TN – Standing water provides the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, and flooded areas in Tennessee could easily cause populations of these disease-carrying pests to flourish.
The Tennessee Department of Health is reminding the residents working to clean up homes, businesses and other facilities in Tennessee to take steps to help prevent illnesses associated with mosquitoes. [Read more]
