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Many more tick-borne illnesses this year than last

Story Created: Jul 30, 2012 at 5:10 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jul 30, 2012 at 5:10 PM CDT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The payback for this year's mild winter and early
spring appears to be more insect-borne disease.

According to WPLN-FM in Nashville, the Tennessee Department of Health reports more known cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever
through July than were recorded in all of last year. The department has
confirmed 304 cases statewide. In 2011, there were 255 known cases.

Vanderbilt University infection disease expert Dr. Buddy Creech said
meningitis bacteria can also be carried by ticks and children can be infected without the tick being evident. Lyme disease is also spread by tick bites.
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