RALEIGH — With warmer weather arriving and more than 1,000 tick‑ and mosquito‑borne illnesses reported statewide last year, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging residents to take precautions as part of its annual “Fight the Bite” campaign.
May marks Tick and Mosquito Awareness Month, and state health officials are reminding families that diseases spread by ticks and mosquitoes can be serious but are often preventable with simple steps.
“Ticks and mosquitoes are common across North Carolina, but the diseases they spread can be serious,” said Emily Herring, NCDHHS Public Health Veterinarian. “We encourage everyone to stay safe by wearing protective clothing, using EPA‑approved repellents and always checking for ticks after spending time outside.”
K–12 Students Invited to Join Awareness Effort
As part of the campaign, NCDHHS is inviting K–12 students to submit educational posters that will be used by schools and local health departments to teach residents how to protect themselves. Winners will be announced at the end of May on the agency’s “Fight the Bite” webpage.
Tick‑Borne Diseases Remain a Statewide Concern
North Carolina continues to see high numbers of tick‑borne illnesses, including:
- Spotted fever rickettsiosis
- Lyme disease
- Ehrlichiosis
Each accounted for roughly one‑third of all tick‑related cases in 2025. Symptoms can include fever, headache, rash and flu‑like illness. Officials stress that early treatment with antibiotics can prevent severe complications.
Ticks thrive in wooded, grassy and brushy areas, and NCDHHS recommends:
- Using EPA‑approved repellents containing DEET or picaridin
- Treating clothing with 0.5% permethrin
- Checking yourself and children after outdoor activities
- Reducing tick habitats by pruning shrubs, removing leaf litter and keeping grass short
Mosquito‑Borne Illnesses Also a Risk
The mosquito‑borne diseases most often acquired in North Carolina include West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis, and La Crosse virus. While most infected people experience no symptoms, some develop fever or severe neurological illness.
Most cases of malaria, dengue, chikungunya and Zika reported in North Carolina are linked to international travel.
To reduce mosquito exposure, officials recommend:
- Using EPA‑approved repellents
- Treating clothing and gear with permethrin
- Repairing window and door screens
- Practicing “Tip and Toss” weekly to eliminate standing water in gutters, buckets, tires, birdbaths and pet dishes
Travelers Encouraged to Plan Ahead
Residents traveling to areas with exotic mosquito‑borne diseases should consult their primary care provider or local health department for prevention guidance, including vaccines when appropriate.
More information on tick‑ and mosquito‑borne diseases is available on the NCDHHS Vector‑Borne Diseases webpage.
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