Mosquitoes can carry West Nile virus and other illnesses.

It’s tick and mosquito season, and with that comes the threat of disease. A report on National Public Radio this week warned that budget problems have forced some states to trim funding for mosquito research and disease prevention.

Here in Mecklenburg County, health experts say there a many things we can do at home to prevent illnesses spread by mosquitoes or ticks.

Ticks and mosquitoes are more than just nuisances, health officials say. Some species can carry diseases that have the ability to make people seriously ill.

Last year, North Carolina reported more than 450 cases of tick-borne diseases to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most were spotted fever-type illnesses, which include Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Since its discovery in 1999, the mosquito-borne West Nile virus has a concerns, though so far this year, no cases have been reported in North Carolina.

The county health department recommends:

• Make your yard less friendly for ticks and mosquitos
• Wear long sleeves and pants when you’re in areas where the bugs are.
• Use mosquito repellent
• Remove ticks promptly when you find them.

The county website has details on these precautions, including how to safely remove a tick. See charmeck.org.

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“Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death,” State Health Director Dr. Jeff Engel said in a press release.

The N.C. Division of Public Health is reminding parents to vaccinate their teens and pre-teens as well as their infants and young children.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools requires a dose of Tdap vaccine for all students entering sixth grade to protect against pertussis (whooping cough), the instances of which have increased among the state’s pre-teen students. Children who have had a tetanus shot within the past five years may be exempt from the requirement.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends that older children receive vaccinations against meningitis, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A and influenza (flu), as well as booster shot of Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine.

“Parents should start thinking about immunizations now, so students will be protected when they start the new school year,” Dr. Engel said.

Students entering kindergarten and sixth grade must provide proof of immunizations on the first day of school, Aug. 25. Kindergarten students also need to show proof of a current health assessment or physical exam. Failure to provide required documents may lead to exclusion from school.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools reports that more than 23,000 CMS students need back to school shots and encourages parents to plan ahead and make an appointment now with their child’s doctor for immunizations.

The Mecklenburg County Health Department also provides immunizations. Due to changes in the Vaccine for Children (VCF) funding, a fee may apply.  Be sure to bring your student’s vaccination record and insurance information. The Mecklenburg County Health Department hours are listed below.

Northwest Campus, 2845 Beatties Ford Rd
Monday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Southeast Campus, 249 Billingsley Rd
Monday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To make an appointment, call the appointment line at 704-336-6500.

Immunization requirements and information are listed on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools website, www.cms.k12.nc.us, or www.immunizenc.org.

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