As mosquitoes start to come out in Tennessee, many have had their thoughts focused on the threat of the Zika virus spreading into the mid-state.
"It's obviously not a time to panic, its time for healthcare professionals to address it." Governor Bill Haslam said at a press conference on Friday. "Tennesseans need to know that this is a real issue and our Department of Health will be on top of it."
According to Haslam, the state has been working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as local municipalities to address the possibility of the Zika virus arriving in the state.
As the virus has spread in other countries, it has become more of a national concern in the United States.
On CBS This Morning, it was discussed that federal officials were debating a recommendation that women delay getting pregnant while the Zika virus remains a threat.
"This is the first mosquito-transmitted virus that we know of that can cause such severe birth defects," said Dr. Holly Phillips, a CBS medical contributor.
In Nashville, officials said while the virus is new, the efforts put forward will mirror efforts used in the past.
"A lot of the same efforts that we put toward West Nile Virus and trying to reduce that and reduce the exposure to that will go a long way to help us as we fight whatever ends up happening in the next months or years as far as Zika," said Brian Todd of the Metro Public Health Department.
With the mosquito season starting in Tennessee in April, those who deal with mosquitos have been busy.
"I hear about it on a daily basis," said Deric Boileau, owner of EarthWise Pest Solutions. "We're treating all of the foliage areas where mosquitoes will basically just hang out."
Boileau said most mosquitoes live and die within 300 feet of where they are born, making it extremely important to take care of the area surrounding your home.
He suggested getting rid of any standing water that could be built up around your home, and if you want extra protection, you can call someone like Boileau to treat your yard.
"Once the treatment is done, you can go and enjoy your backyard." Boileau explained. "You can take your shirt off and roll around with your little kid in your yard or your grandchild. You can take your shoes off."
As of April 17, there had been no confirmed cases of people contracting the Zika virus in Tennessee, but health officials said local outbreaks of the virus are likely moving forward.
