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.
Tennessee Department of Health urges increased vigilance to prevent Flu and Flu Complications
December 31, 2014
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health is urging all Tennesseans to increase their vigilance to prevent flu and flu-related health threats by getting immunized and talking with their healthcare providers about flu-like symptoms.
Since 2007 there have been 29 pediatric flu-related deaths recorded in Tennessee, including three in December of this year.
A flu vaccination (CDC)
Tennessee Department of Health announces Ebola Resources for Tennesseans
October 23, 2014
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health has announced new Ebola resources for Tennesseans.
Tennesseans with questions about the disease may call a toll-free number to obtain accurate, timely information: 1.877.857.2945 is now open 10:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. Hours for the information line will be increased in length and will be available seven days a week in the near future. [Read more]
Tennessee Department of Health says Parents need to discuss Sexually Transmitted Diseases with their Children
July 23, 2014
Nashville, TN – Sex. It’s a difficult topic for many parents to discuss with their children, but those conversations may save a life or prevent pain and suffering from a sexually transmitted disease.
“There are more than 20 sexually transmitted diseases and while all are preventable, not all are curable,” said Carolyn Wester, MD, MPH, medical director of the TDH HIV/STD Section. “Some are deadly, some can cause permanent damage to the reproductive and nervous systems, and some can cause bouts of pain for the rest of a person’s life. Unfortunately too many children become sexually active at very young ages, so it’s important for parents to provide accurate information earlier than later, and to help their children understand the consequences of their actions.” [Read more]
Tennessee Department of Health confirms state’s First Chikungunya Case
June 14, 2014
One Madison County Resident Tests Positive
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed the first case of chikungunya in Tennessee. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention laboratory results show a resident of Madison County tested positive for the virus.
TDH is reminding Tennesseans of the importance of taking precautions to protect themselves from bites from mosquitoes that may spread this and other viruses such as West Nile and La Crosse.
Chikungunya is transmitted by daytime biting mosquitoes.
Tennessee Department of Health investigating Measles Cases in Tennessee
May 15, 2014
Vaccinations Urged to Prevent Future Cases
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health is now investigating five cases of measles in Madison, Shelby, Gibson, Hamilton and Hardeman counties.
People in additional counties may have been exposed to measles due to some patients traveling while unknowingly being contagious.
The measles cases in Tennessee appear to have started with one traveler who was exposed to the illness in another country. [Read more]
Tennessee Department of Health says Chicks and Ducks are cute, but not a good Easter Gift
April 8, 2014
Risk of human Salmonella infections from contact with live poultry
Nashville, TN – Cuddly baby chicks and ducks are as much a part of the Easter holiday as colored eggs and the Easter bunny. But even though they are fun to look at and kids love them, you should not give them as gifts because of the health risks involved.
Live poultry, especially baby poultry, commonly carry Salmonella germs.
Cuddly baby chicks and ducks should not be given as gifts.
Tennessee Department of Health reminds everyone that Flu Season has Arrived
December 20, 2013
Nashville, TN – It’s here: the seasonal wave of flu that affects thousands of Americans every year.
Flu activity is measurably rising in Tennessee, and while doctors here are not yet seeing the higher number of cases reported in some neighboring states, the Tennessee Department of Health believes more cases will be identified here soon. [Read more]
Tennessee Department of Health says HIV/AIDS is still here, still preventable
December 1, 2013
World Aids Day is December 1st, 2013
Nashville, TN – The world changed dramatically in 1981. IBM sold its first personal computer loaded with MS DOS software. The space shuttle Columbia made its inaugural flight. MTV brought music videos into living rooms.
Just when it appeared technology was making life better for nearly everyone, doctors in San Francisco, CA were baffled by an illness that defied all known treatment. That frightening, incurable disease would soon become known as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, or AIDS.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ith82r00IbM&[/youtube] [Read more]
Tennessee Department of Health says State Analysis links cluster of illnesses to Raw Milk Consumption
November 25, 2013
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health confirmed today the strain of E.coli that caused nine children to become ill after drinking raw milk obtained from McBee Dairy Farm near Knoxville has been matched to animal waste collected at the dairy.
Five of the nine children required hospitalization and three developed a severe kidney problem known as hemolytic uremic syndrome. [Read more]
