Many more tick-borne illnesses in Tennessee this year than last

Many more tick-borne illnesses in Tennessee this year than last

Posted:

NASHVILLE (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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