Simple Steps Protect You from Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
September 9, 2017
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health has now confirmed 19 human cases of West Nile Virus infection and 11 cases of La Crosse Virus infection in the state so far in 2017.
Mosquito-borne illness is more common during late summer and TDH recommends taking simple steps to avoid mosquito bites and help prevent mosquito-borne illnesses.
Cases of West Nile Virus, La Crosse Encephalitis increasing in Tennessee
Tennessee Department of Health urges Travels to take Precautions against Zika Virus
February 22, 2017
Spring Break, Mission Trips, Business & Other Travel Warrants Protections
Nashville, TN – In 2016, 63 travelers returned to Tennessee infected with Zika virus. In each of those cases, the Tennessee Department of Health and the Tennessee medical community worked quickly to ensure the virus would not spread to others.
Many Tennesseans are now planning for spring breaks, mission trips and other travel to warmer locations where mosquito populations are known to transmit Zika. TDH reminds Tennesseans that mosquito bite precautions are vital to protecting their health and the health of others where they live, work, play and pray when returning.
Travelers need to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Tennessee Department of Health says “Fight The Bite” Efforts Important To Protect All Tennesseans
August 8, 2016
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health confirms there have been 24 persons diagnosed with Zika virus disease in Tennessee this year.
Cases of locally transmitted Zika virus have been identified in a small area in Miami, Florida, but all cases in Tennessee have occurred in people returning from international travel to affected areas.
This serves as a reminder that anyone traveling to affected areas should be very careful to avoid mosquito bites during travel and for three weeks after travel.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Fatal to Horses and Humans Detected in Tennessee
August 5, 2016
Nashville, TN – A horse in West Tennessee has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a virus that can be fatal for horses and humans. The Tennessee Departments of Agriculture and Health are advising citizens to take precautions to protect themselves and their livestock.
Mosquitoes transmit EEE. Humans cannot contract these viral infections directly from infected horses. However, mosquito-borne diseases do pose a public health risk.
Mosquitoes transmit the Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus.
Tennessee Department of Health says Stay Safe and Healthy at Upcoming Warm Weather Events
June 5, 2016
“Fight the Bite – Hydrate Right – Respect the Sun’s Might”
Nashville, TN – Summer is fast approaching and that means plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun and adventures across Tennessee. Thousands of music lovers will visit Nashville and Manchester June 9th through 12th for the CMA Music Festival and Bonnaroo.
Thousands more are expected for Elvis Week in Memphis August 10th through 16th and in Bristol for Bristol Motor Speedway’s NASCAR event August 20th.
First Case of Zika Virus Disease Reported in Tennessee
February 9, 2016
TDH Urges Residents & Travelers to Have Heightened Awareness about Protection Strategies
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health today has received confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the first person in the state to test positive for Zika virus disease. The individual had recently traveled to South America before returning to east Tennessee.
“We have been expecting an imported case of Zika virus disease and we believe more infections are likely as people travel to and from areas where the disease is currently being transmitted,” said TDH Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH.
Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon.
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.
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.
LBL Law Enforcement gives Summer Safety Tips
June 22, 2013
Golden Pond, KY – In preparation for one of the most popular holidays at Land Between The Lakes (LBL), Forest Service Law Enforcement Officers are offering their annual list of safe habits to follow while visiting the National Recreation Area and area State Resort Parks.
“We want everyone to have fun while they are here,” explains Forest Service Law Enforcement Patrol Captain, Duane Cameron, “and often times practicing safe habits can make all the difference in the world.”
LBL’s Energy Lake Area. (Land Between the Lakes)
Tennessee Department of Health urges Tennesseans to Follow Mosquito Control Measures
June 15, 2013
Nashville, TN – Health officials in Davidson, Knox and Shelby Counties have identified batches of mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus in 2013, and one human case of WNV has been reported in Tennessee so far this year.
The Department of Health is reminding Tennesseans to take steps to eliminate mosquito habitats and protect themselves from bites from mosquitoes that may transmit the virus.
Tennesseans need to take steps to protect themselves from mosquitoes
