This week’s spotlight highlights KCHD’s Mosquito-transmitted Disease Prevention and  Vector Control Program 

Knox County Health Department (KCHD) Environmental Health Manager, Kevin Clark will take over as Director of Environmental Health as the former director Ronnie Nease recently retired after more than 30 years of service with the health department. One of the Environmental Health division’s priorities this summer: mosquitoes.

To address public health concerns caused by mosquitoes as temperatures rise and mosquito populations increase, KCHD conducts a mosquito control program during the spring and summer months. To start, public health professionals begin trapping mosquitoes around the county and testing batches weekly for West Nile virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne disease that can infect humans, horses and birds.

It is important to know how to help control the mosquito population where you live and how to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Mosquitoes are a nuisance and can transmit diseases in East Tennessee, including West Nile virus and La Crosse encephalitis.

“It’s essential to eliminate breeding grounds,” said Director of Environmental Health Kevin Clark. “Taking the steps to empty water-holding containers on your property such as tires, toys, flower pots, or trash cans can help control the mosquito population.”

Information regarding mosquito control and bite safety is available on the KCHD website here. In addition, mosquito control employees are available to speak to homeowner’s associations, community and civic groups, and health fairs. For more information, call 865-215-5200.