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]
Tennessee Department of Health says prepare for Ticks in order to Prevent Illness
April 16, 2013
Nashville, TN – After a record-setting number of Rocky Mountain spotted fever cases in the state last year, almost 700, the Tennessee Department of Health is reminding residents and visitors to start thinking now about prevention of tick bites.
“If the warmer weather is motivating you to be outside working or playing, just remember ticks can be found out there too, in rural and urban areas alike, and they are always looking for a free ride and meal,” said Abelardo Moncayo, Ph.D., with the TDH Division of Communicable and Environmental Diseases and Emergency Preparedness. “Tick bites should never be taken lightly; they can carry many diseases, including potentially deadly Rocky Mountain spotted fever.”
Deer Ticks
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 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]
Tennessee Department of Health states Tick Season arrives Early in Tennessee
April 29, 2012
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health is seeing significant increases in tick-borne illnesses this year following an unusually mild winter and spring.
Cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever are up 533 percent compared to this time last year, according to Abelardo Moncayo, Ph.D., with the TDH Division of Communicable and Environmental Diseases and Emergency Preparedness. [Read more]
