China Spring, TX

White Oak, TX

32.9568699
-97.6676334

Springtown, TX

31.7350608
-95.6079886

Palestine, TX

Longview, TX

Hempstead, TX

Harker Heights, TX

Gatesville, TX

Elgin, TX

Rockdale, TX

33.1792585
-96.5247874

Princeton, TX

33.5980536
-96.1915533

Bonham, TX

30.8995249
-96.6034304

Hearne, TX

32.9111477
-96.127678

Quinlan, TX

Justin, TX

Tyler (West), TX

Mesquite, TX

32.4160664
-97.2025221

Alvarado, TX

32.7335934
-96.454363

Forney, TX

Fort Worth, TX

32.3482549
-95.2606226

Tyler (East), TX

31.1206776
-97.8580394

Copperas Cove, TX

32.9163868
-96.5219014

Rowlett, TX

32.5527165
-94.3492475

Marshall, TX

33.0229747
-96.4540202

Lavon, TX

32.2035602
-98.2421918

Stephenville, TX

32.4371438
-97.7738745

Granbury, TX

33.8771835
-98.5599983

Wichita Falls, TX – North

31.0825118
-97.4631889

Belton, TX

33.2243369
-97.5943915

Decatur, TX

32.7533434
-97.4290472

Westworth, TX

32.9549402
-97.2765557

Keller, TX

32.8088137
-98.0995992

Mineral Wells, TX

32.6487235
-96.5322498

Seagoville, TX

32.6792057
-97.4667841

Benbrook, TX

33.3463165
-96.5736259

Anna, TX

33.3577125
-97.1827735

Sanger, TX

30.1410466
-96.3964646

Brenham, TX

31.0842453
-97.7832084

Killeen, TX – West

33.8607535
-98.5363033

Wichita Falls, TX – South

31.6297572
-97.2401335

China Spring – Waco, TX

31.1193652
-97.8623394

Copperas Cove, TX – South

32.0769661
-96.4932921

Corsicana, TX

32.3430908
-97.4262634

Cleburne, TX

31.0928631
-97.7325467

Killeen, TX – East

32.2063902
-95.8353013

Athens, TX

33.1147827
-96.1097769

Greenville, TX

32.5718868
-96.3078836

Kaufman, TX

30.5834541
-96.3239706

College Station, TX – Jones Crossing

30.6266699
-96.3369396

College Station, TX – Century Square

30.6503661
-96.2975838

Bryan, TX – Physician’s Centre

First Aid Handbook: Mosquito, Tick, and Flea-Borne Illnesses

A mosquito bites an arm
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We aren’t the only ones who enjoy the warmer weather – as you continue to enjoy your time outside during the summer months, be wary of the pests who might want to join you. Reports released recently from the CDC revealed that the number of disease cases from mosquito, tick, and flea bites in the US tripled between 2004 and 2016. While nearly everyone has received bites from one or more of these insects, the danger lies in the spread of diseases, such as dengue, Zika, Lyme, or plague. Between 2004 and 2016, more than 640,000 cases of these diseases were reported, and nine new germs spread by mosquitoes and ticks were discovered or introduced in the US. Although this sounds concerning, educating yourself on these insects, the diseases they cause, prevention and treatment methods, and when to see a doctor.

What diseases do mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas cause?

The list of mosquito-borne diseases includes: Chikungunya virus, dengue viruses, varieties of encephalitis virus, malaria plasmodium, West Nile virus, yellow fever virus, and Zika virus. Lyme disease is the most well-known tickborne disease, but others include: anaplasmosis, babesiosis, spotted fever rickettsioses, and tularemia. Plague is the disease transmitted by fleas.

How common are diseases from mosquito and tick bites?

Diseases from mosquito and tick bites occur in every state and territory. Texas ranks in the top 20% of disease cases from mosquitoes (reported 2001-2016), with between 1,678 and 9,254 cases reported during the reporting period. Disease cases from ticks during the same period in Texas number in the 3rd 20% of total (1,099-2,140).

How can I keep from getting one of these diseases?

There are several common-sense things everyone can do to prevent – or at least lower the likelihood of – contracting diseases from one of these insects:

  • Use an EPA-registered insect repellant.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
  • Treat items used outdoors such as boots, pants, socks, and tents, with permethrin, or buy permethrin-treated items.
  • Control ticks and fleas on pets.
  • Check family and pets daily for ticks and remove when present. Click here or more information.
  • Take steps to control mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas inside and outside your home.

Want to do more?

  • Help inform family and friends about how to protect themselves from diseases resulting from an infective mosquito, tick, or flea bite.
  • Support state and local government agencies which test and track germs and the mosquitoes and ticks that spread them.
  • Support programs within local governments which seek to control insects through destruction of habitat, spraying program, and other methods.

If you do contract a disease from one of these pesky insects, you can always stop by your local Integrity Urgent Care in Bryan/College Station, Copperas Cove, and soon Athens, for evaluation and treatment. For more information, feel free to contact us at (979) 703-1832.

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