Although ticks may appear as just a summertime frustration, they can also cause health problems for those bitten by small insects.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the four most common ticks in Illinois are Deer Ticks, American Dog Ticks, Lone Star Ticks, and Brown Dog Ticks.
Sarah Willett, Environmental Health Supervisor at the Knox County Health Department, states the main health risk with ticks is Lyme Disease, but ticks can carry other diseases as well.
Lyme Disease is a serious bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. Lyme Disease is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States affecting more than 500,000 people nationally each year. Residents are encouraged to learn to ‘Fight the Bite’ and protect yourself and your loved ones from tickborne illnesses. If you have been in wooded or high grassy areas and are experiencing symptoms such as, fever, fatigue, headache, and a circular rash- see your health care provider immediately.
The best thing residents can do to ‘Fight the Bite’ is to thoroughly check themselves, their children, and pets for ticks after spending time in areas where ticks live, such as wooded areas, tall grass, and brush. Removing ticks within a 24-hour period reduces the risk of potential disease transmission.
The following are tips on how to avoid tickborne illness and have a wonderful time outdoors:
- Walk in the center of trails to avoid overhanging grass and brush
- Wear light colored clothing and tuck pants into socks and boots
- Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing 20% DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus according to label directions.
- Examine clothing and skin frequently for ticks
- Carefully remove attached ticks immediately
- Examine pets for ticks
- See your doctor if any unexplained rash or illness accompanied by a fever develops
The Knox County Health Department is part of a Vector-Borne Disease Surveillance and Prevention program with the Illinois Department of Public Health and are conducting tick drags to monitor for ticks throughout the county.
If you have questions or concerns about Lyme disease, or the steps to take to avoid being bitten by a tick, please contact the Knox County Health Department at (309) 344-2224, or visit www.knoxcountyhealth.org.
***Courtesy of the Knox County Health Department***
