North Carolinians Encouraged to “Fight the Bite” as Temperatures Rise
The onset of warmer weather in North Carolina brings with it an increased risk of tick- and mosquito-borne diseases. In response, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is urging residents to take preventive measures against these threats. In 2025, the state reported over 1,000 cases of illnesses related to ticks and mosquitoes.
May marks Tick and Mosquito Awareness Month, and with it the revival of the “Fight the Bite” campaign. This initiative aims to educate the public about the dangers posed by vector-borne diseases. Students from kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to participate in a poster contest, with the winning entries being used by NCDHHS, local health departments, and schools to spread awareness. The winners will be revealed at the end of May on the NCDHHS “Fight the Bite” webpage.
“Ticks and mosquitoes are common across North Carolina, but the diseases they spread can be serious,” stated Emily Herring, NCDHHS Public Health Veterinarian. “As the weather warms up and North Carolinians enjoy the outdoors more frequently, we encourage everyone to stay safe by wearing protective clothing, using EPA-approved repellents and always checking for ticks after spending time outside.”
Tick-Borne Diseases in North Carolina
North Carolina sees a significant number of tick-borne diseases, with spotted fever rickettsiosis, Lyme disease, and ehrlichiosis being the most prevalent. Each of these diseases accounted for about one-third of the reported cases in 2025. Symptoms such as fever, headache, rashes, and flu-like conditions can be severe, but they are treatable with antibiotics. Early treatment is crucial to prevent more serious health issues. If you feel ill following a tick bite, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider promptly.
Ticks thrive in wooded, grassy, and brushy areas. To minimize exposure, consider the following strategies:
- Use an EPA-approved repellent, like those containing DEET or picaridin, on exposed skin and treat clothing with permethrin (0.5%). Exercise caution when applying insect repellent to children.
- Regularly check yourself and your children for ticks after spending time in tick habitats, and remove any promptly.
- Reduce tick-friendly environments around your home by pruning shrubs, removing leaf litter, and keeping grass short.
Mosquito-Borne Diseases and Prevention
Viruses like West Nile, eastern equine encephalitis, and La Crosse are the primary mosquito-borne threats in North Carolina. While many who contract these viruses may not display symptoms, some could experience fever and flu-like illnesses, and a few may develop severe conditions like brain inflammation. Most mosquito-borne diseases reported in the state, such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, are typically acquired while traveling outside the continental U.S. To best protect against these diseases, focus on preventing mosquito bites:
- Use an EPA-approved mosquito repellent containing DEET or picaridin when outdoors. Be cautious when applying to children.
- Consider treating clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents) with 0.5% permethrin.
- Install or repair screens on windows and doors and use air conditioning if possible.
- “Tip and Toss” to reduce mosquito breeding: empty standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths at least once a week.
- Consult your healthcare provider or local health department if you plan to travel to areas where exotic mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent, and always research your destination for appropriate prevention methods, including vaccines.
For additional information on tick- and mosquito-borne diseases in North Carolina, please visit the NCDHHS Vector-Borne Diseases webpage.
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