Dr. Kelly Kimple, Acting Director, Division of Public Health | North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Dr. Kelly Kimple, Acting Director, Division of Public Health | North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
As the warmer months approach, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is encouraging residents across the state to take proactive steps in preventing tick- and mosquito-borne diseases. The department reports over 900 cases of such illnesses were recorded statewide in 2024.
April marks Tick and Mosquito Awareness Month, and the NCDHHS is relaunching its "Fight the Bite" campaign. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the risks posed by vector-borne diseases through educational efforts, including a poster contest for K-12 students. These posters, once submitted, will be utilized by the NCDHHS, local health departments, and schools to educate the public on preventive measures. The winning entries will be announced on the NCDHHS "Fight the Bite" webpage by the end of April.
"Vector-borne diseases are on the rise in North Carolina," stated Emily Herring, Public Health Veterinarian. "We encourage all North Carolinians to protect themselves from tick and mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and pants, using EPA-approved repellents, and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors."
Diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, and other tick-borne ailments may present symptoms including fever, headache, and flu-like illness, which can be severe. Lyme disease made up 33% of tick-borne diseases reported last year, while Ehrlichiosis accounted for 38%. Both are treatable with antibiotics, and early intervention can prevent more serious illness. If symptoms occur following a tick bite, seeing a healthcare provider is crucial.
Ticks thrive in wooded, grassy, and brushy areas, increasing the risk of exposure to pathogens when frequenting these places. Preventive actions include using repellents containing DEET or picaridin, treating clothing with permethrin, and promptly removing ticks upon discovery. Moreover, reducing potential tick habitats around homes through selective landscaping is advised.
Among mosquito-borne illnesses commonly occurring in North Carolina are West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis, and La Crosse encephalitis. Nationwide, the state ranked second only to Ohio in La Crosse virus cases from 2003 to 2023. Many mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika are acquired during travel outside of the U.S. Measures to minimize mosquito exposure include using EPA-approved repellents, treating gear with permethrin, and reducing stagnant water that fosters mosquito breeding.
For further details on tick- and mosquito-borne diseases in North Carolina, residents can visit the NCDHHS Vector-Borne Diseases webpage.
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