WHEREAS, tick and mosquito transmitted diseases affect people across the United States and are significant health threats as well as a nuisance in North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, based on public health surveillance conducted by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, almost 800 cases of tick- and mosquito-borne diseases were reported among people in North Carolina in 2022; and
WHEREAS, the tick-borne diseases Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and Lyme disease, and the mosquito-borne diseases La Crosse encephalitis, West Nile encephalitis, and eastern equine encephalitis were all reported in North Carolina and are preventable diseases; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina monitors for cases of other mosquito-borne infections such as Zika, chikungunya, malaria, and dengue associated with international travel; and
WHEREAS, effective prevention against tick- and mosquito-borne illness is achievable through scientifically informed, integrated pest management strategies and personal protective measures during seasons of high tick and mosquito activity; and
WHEREAS, Tick and Mosquito Awareness Month is an opportunity for North Carolina residents and health care providers to learn more about the threat, medical implications, and prevention of these diseases;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim April, 2023, as “TICK AND MOSQUITO AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.