As summer brings more outdoor activities, the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) urges residents to take preventive measures against mosquito and tick-borne diseases.
“Many of us are spending more time outdoors which is good for everyone, but it’s also important to take steps to protect yourself from tick and mosquito bites,” said TDH Deputy State Epidemiologist Mary-Margaret Fill, MD, MPH. She emphasized that understanding simple preventive measures can help reduce the risk of these illnesses.
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For most people, tick or mosquito bites may only cause local skin irritation or mild flu-like symptoms. However, some individuals may experience severe illness with significant consequences such as severe pain, long-term or permanent nerve or brain damage, or even death. As there are no vaccines or specific treatments for many of these diseases, prevention is crucial.
“Fortunately, antibiotics can be prescribed for some tick-borne illnesses,” said TDH Vector-borne Disease Program Director Abelardo Moncayo, PhD. He highlighted the importance of informing healthcare providers about any recent tick bites if illness develops.
To avoid mosquito and tick bites, TDH recommends the following:
– Use insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 on exposed skin, following all label instructions. Pay special attention to guidelines for use on children and avoid applying these products around the mouth or eyes.
– Reduce mosquito populations around your home by eliminating standing water, which can be found in clogged drains, gutters, watering cans, and empty bottles.
– Use products containing permethrin on clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear. Permethrin-treated items can kill ticks and mosquitoes and remain effective after multiple washes. Note that permethrin should not be applied directly to the skin.
– Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing to prevent bites through fabric. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants are recommended, and tucking pants into socks and shirts into pants can provide additional protection. Light-colored clothes are less attractive to insects and make spotting them easier.
For more information on tick and mosquito bite protection, visit the TDH’s [tick-borne diseases](http://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/vector-borne-diseases/tick-borne-diseases.html) and [mosquito-borne diseases](http://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/vector-borne-diseases/mosquito-borne-diseases.html) pages.
The Tennessee Department of Health’s mission is to protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of all Tennesseans. Learn more about TDH services and programs at [www.tn.gov/health](http://www.tn.gov/health).
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