Chattanooga, TN – According to the state officials, for most individuals, a tick or mosquito bite may only cause local skin irritation or mild, flu-like symptoms.
However, some bites can lead to serious illnesses with severe consequences, such as long-term or permanent nerve or brain damage, or even death. Many tick and mosquito-borne diseases lack vaccines or specific treatments, making prevention crucial.
To avoid mosquito and tick bites, the TDH recommends the following precautions:
– **Use insect repellents**: Apply products containing DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 on your skin. Follow all label recommendations, particularly for use on children, and avoid applying these products around the mouth or eyes. Consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
– **Reduce mosquito populations around your home**: Eliminate standing water in clogged drains or gutters, watering cans, and empty bottles, as mosquitoes can breed in any place that holds water.
– **Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear**: Apply permethrin, a highly effective insecticide, to clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear. Permethrin-treated clothing kills ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests, retaining its effectiveness after repeated laundering. Some commercial products are available pretreated with permethrin. However, do not use permethrin directly on skin.
– **Wear protective clothing**: Opt for long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Tuck your pants into your socks and your shirt into your pants. Light-colored clothing is less attractive to many insects and makes spotting them easier.
By taking these simple steps, Tennesseans can enjoy outdoor activities while minimizing the risk of tick and mosquito bites and the diseases they may carry.