With the milder winter experienced locally, a busy year for insects has been seen, especially with ticks. Warren County Health Department Administrator Jenna Link shares tips for protecting against ticks and Lyme Disease:
“If you are out in the yard, they like to hang out in the grass and as you are walking through they catch onto your clothing and your body. If you are spending some time outdoors, in the grass, or in the timber, make sure, one, that you wear protective clothing, two, wear repellent that has Deet in it. Then when you come inside, take those clothes off, you should shower right away, they suggest you toss your clothing into the dryer for ten minutes to try and kill off the ticks that might be on there. If by chance you find one on you, if it hasn’t been latched for more than 24 hours, the likelihood of getting Lyme Disease is less, so that is why you make sure to check yourself over, even after you shower because sometimes they can cling into your hair.”
As for symptoms of Lyme Disease, Link says to lookout for bullseye shaped rashes, a fever, exhaustion, joint or muscle pain, and if you notice any of these symptoms within weeks of discovering a tick on your body, seek medical attention
