West Tenn. Department of Health hosts Zika virus conference

JACKSON, Tenn. — The West Tennessee Department of Health and Department of Agriculture hosted a conference Tuesday to discuss the prevention of the Zika virus.

Although Tennessee does not currently have infected mosquitoes, there have been two cases in the state.

“Two cases that we’ve had in Tennessee have been associated with travel,” Dr. Shavetta Conner said.

Conner is the regional medical director for the West Tennessee Department of Health. “We have not had any local transmission here in Tennessee, and so we’re hoping to do everything to prevent local transmission.”

Using the terms “tip and toss” and “drain and cover” are easy ways to remember how to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs around your home.

“Tip over anything around the home that may be holding water that are outdoors,” said Celeste Scott of the UT Extension Office. “This could be anything from flower pots to old tires, and then of course drain and cover would be drain anything like old pools and abandoned spas, things like that.”

But if you are unable to drain or cover water-filled items around the home, there are larvicides that are safe for humans and pets.

“Common brands of larvicide that you’ll find on the market is BTI — they’re usually called mosquito dunks,” Scott said. “Also, Altosid chemical is methoprene, a growth regulator, and both of those are going to work well for homeowners.”

“The main things is that people are aware and they’re educated and they know how to protect themselves and mosquito-proof their homes,” Dr. Conner said.

Although we aren’t foreseeing a Zika outbreak here, the conference helped officials be aware of tactics to combat mosquitoes.