Tennessee Department of Health says Tick and Mosquito Season is here
May 21, 2017
Nashville, TN – Ticks and mosquitoes are now out in force and looking for food. The meal of choice for both is blood, creating opportunities to spread a variety of serious illnesses such as Zika Virus Disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever as they move from one bite victim to another.
“For many people, a bite from a mosquito or tick won’t cause much more than an itchy, irritating spot on the skin or sometimes mild, flu-like symptoms,” said Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH.
Fight the Bite to Prevent Spread of Serious Illnesses
Tennessee Department of Agriculture reports Equine Piroplasmosis Detected in 17 Horses
August 12, 2016
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee veterinarian’s office is investigating an outbreak of Equine Piroplasmosis (EP) in a group of racing Quarter Horses in Tennessee.
EP is a blood parasite that affects equines. Although it can be transmitted through infected ticks, today it is more commonly spread by blood and blood products through the sharing of needles, syringes or improperly cleaned and disinfected dental, tattoo, surgical or blood product equipment between infected and uninfected horses.
Equine Piroplasmosis is an acute tick borne disease of Equids (horses, mules, donkeys, and zebras) with a greater than 50% mortality rate.
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.
Tennessee Department of Health urges public to protect themselves from Tick and Mosquito Bites
July 15, 2015
Nashville, TN – Summer is about spending time with family and friends at the pool, lake or in the backyard, but it’s also the peak time for ticks and mosquitoes which increases your risks for diseases like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, West Nile Virus and chikungunya disease.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0yq0J8qXdM&[/youtube] [Read more]
Consumer Reports Tests Found Insect Repellents That Are Safer, More Effective Than Some Deet Products
May 18, 2015
For the first time, picaridin & oil of lemon eucalyptus products top the ratings
Yonkers, NY – there is good news for consumers concerned about dousing their skin with potentially harmful repellents in order to arm themselves against insect bites. Consumer Reports tests found the more effective bug repellents were also among the safer choices.
For the first time ever in Consumer Reports tests, the top scorers (Sawyer Fisherman’s Formula & Repel Lemon Eucalyptus) outperformed products that contained up to 25 percent deet, a chemical that can cause serious side effects. [Read more]
Tennessee Department of Health says it’s Time to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide
March 11, 2014
Tennesseans Urged to Protect Skin, Eyes from Sun Damage
Nashville, TN – As the hours of daylight increase and spending time outdoors beckons, the Tennessee Department of Health reminds sun seekers to protect their skin and eyes with the international “Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide” message. [Read more]
Early Squirrel Season Opening at Land Between the Lakes
April 21, 2013
Golden Pond, KY – Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area’s 2013 spring squirrel hunting season will open in Tennessee from May 11th-June 9th and in Kentucky from May 18th-June 21st.
Hunters must have a valid Kentucky or Tennessee state hunting license for the state in which they are hunting. Hunters age 16 and older must also have an LBL Hunter Use Permit. LBL Hunter Use Permits are available at North and South Welcome Stations, Golden Pond Visitor Center, and wherever Kentucky and Tennessee state hunting licenses are sold. [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 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]
