Tennessee Department of Health says recent Mumps Outbreaks cause for concern
January 19, 2017
Mumps Immunizations Needed to Protect Adults and Children
Nashville, TN – Mumps, the illness many associate with childhood, can infect people of all ages and has been on the rise as some neglect to immunize themselves or their children.
The Tennessee Department of Health is concerned about increases in mumps cases, including an ongoing outbreak in neighboring Arkansas which so far involves more than 2,400 suspected or confirmed cases of the illness.
The best way to protect against mumps is to get the measles-mumps-rubella shot (called the MMR shot). Doctors recommend that all children get the MMR shot. (CDC)
Tennessee Department of Health says Summer A Good Time To Immunize Children
June 18, 2015
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health encourages parents to have their school-age children immunized now to avoid long lines and extended wait times that may occur closer to the start of the 2015-2016 school year.
Immunization requirements apply to any student enrolling in a Tennessee school for the first time including all Kindergarten students. Requirements also apply to all rising seventh graders.
A child receiving an immunization
Tennessee Department of Health reminds parents now is the time to get back-to-school immunizations
July 29, 2014
Keeping your child’s vaccinations up to date helps keep schools Safe
Nashville, TN – Frequent news reports about whooping cough and measles, diseases long thought vanquished by vaccines in the US, serve as a reminder of the importance of getting back-to-school immunizations for your child now.
In Tennessee, children enrolling in school for the first time and all children going into seventh grade must provide schools with a state immunization certificate before classes start as proof they have had all the immunizations necessary to protect them and their classmates from serious vaccine-preventable diseases. [Read more]
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 urges Parents to think now about School Immunizations
June 17, 2014
Nashville, TN – Many students across Tennessee are enjoying their summer break. But it won’t be long before the bell rings for the new school year, and it’s never too early to think about school immunizations. Tennessee students are required to have a number of immunizations for school attendance.
“Getting vaccinated is so important to help protect all of us from infectious diseases,” said Kelly Moore, MD, MPH, director of the Tennessee Immunization Program. “Making sure your children have their required vaccinations is a good way to help ensure students won’t be out of the classroom due to a preventable illness.”
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2KP8tb4PjM[/youtube] [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)
National Immunization Awareness Month
August 5, 2012
Washington, D.C. – National Immunization Awareness Month is the perfect time to promote immunizations and remind family, friends, and coworkers to get caught up on their shots.
Immunizations (or vaccinations) aren’t just for babies and young kids. We all need shots to help protect us from serious diseases and illness. Everyone age 6 months and older needs a seasonal flu shot every year. Here are some other shots people need at different ages: [Read more]
Tennessee Department of Health tells Parents it’s time for Back-To-School Immunizations and Checkups
July 9, 2012
Nashville, TN – Parents working on checklists to get their children ready for the start of school have an important health item to include: required immunizations.
In Tennessee, children enrolling in school for the first time and all children going into 7th grade must provide schools with a state immunization certificate before classes start as proof they have had immunizations necessary to protect them and their classmates from serious vaccine-preventable diseases. [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]
