Buncombe County Health and Human Services urges community to fight the bite during mosquito and tick season

Press release from Buncombe County Health and Human Services:

As mosquito and tick season has arrived in Western North Carolina, Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) Public Health staff encourage residents to take proactive steps to prevent mosquito and tick bites which can lead to serious diseases.

In 2023, nearly 900 cases of tick- and mosquito-borne illnesses were reported across North Carolina, including 43 cases in Buncombe County. This year, the numbers for Buncombe County are trending in a similar way. “Ticks and mosquitoes are present in Buncombe County, and they definitely pose a risk for those enjoying the outdoors during these warm weather months,” says Dr. Ellis Matheson, Buncombe County Public Health Director. “We strongly encourage enjoying the outdoors safely by using DEET or other EPA-approved repellents to effectively protect against bites. We also ask the community to tip and toss standing water to help eliminate mosquito breeding areas.”

People traveling to other parts of the U.S. and abroad should also take precautions as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a warning about the global increase in dengue virus infections this year. From January 1 to June 24, countries in the Americas have reported over 9.7 million dengue cases, more than double the 4.6 million cases reported in 2023.

Most mosquito-borne diseases reported in North Carolina and Buncombe County, including malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, are acquired while traveling outside the continental United States. Travelers experiencing symptoms like fever, aches, pains, nausea, vomiting, and/or rash should seek medical attention and inform their healthcare provider about recent travel. The CDC also advises these individuals to stay indoors and away from mosquitoes while feeling unwell.

To reduce exposure to mosquitoes:

• Use mosquito repellent containing DEET (or equivalent) when outside. Use caution when applying to children.
• Consider treating clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin.
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors and use air conditioning if possible.
• “Tip and Toss” – reduce mosquito breeding by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths at least once a week.
• Inspect surrounding trees for tree holes, which are considered a major breeding ground for mosquitoes. More information on treating tree holes can be found here.
• Consult with your primary care provider or local health department if planning to travel to areas where mosquito-borne diseases occur.
• Always check your destination for appropriate prevention methods. (CDC’s Travelers’ Health website is a good resource:  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel)

Ticks live in wooded, grassy, and brushy areas and can transmit diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease, which can cause severe symptoms.

To reduce exposure to ticks:

• Use repellent containing DEET (or other EPA-approved repellents) on exposed skin and wear clothing treated with permethrin. Use caution when applying to children.
• Check yourself, your children, and pets for ticks if you have been in a tick habitat.
• Remove ticks promptly using clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. (See guidance here)
• Reduce tick habitats with selective landscaping techniques.

Please take these simple steps to protect yourself and others against these tiny critters that can carry serious diseases. If you have concerns about mosquitoes in your neighborhood, contact Buncombe County Environmental Health at 828-250-5016.

For more information about mosquito- and tick-borne viruses, contact the Buncombe County Communicable Disease staff at 828-250-5109.