Tick Information
Dangers of Ticks
Ticks pose a significant health risk to both humans and pets. These small, blood-sucking parasites can transmit various diseases, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis. When enjoying outdoor activities, especially in grassy or wooded areas, it's essential to take precautions to avoid tick bites.
Health Risks
- Lyme Disease: A bacterial infection that can cause severe joint pain, neurological issues, and heart problems if left untreated.
- Anaplasmosis: An illness causing fever, headache, muscle pain, and chills.
- Babesiosis: A malaria-like disease that can lead to hemolytic anemia and other serious health problems.
Prevention Tips
- Use Insect Repellent: Apply repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or permethrin.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Long sleeves, pants, and light-colored clothing can help keep ticks at bay and make them easier to spot.
- Stay on Trails: Avoid walking through tall grass and brush.
- Check for Ticks: After spending time outdoors, thoroughly check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks.
Tick Removal
If you find a tick attached to your skin, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin's surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.
For more information on tick prevention and safety, visit the CDC's Tickborne Diseases webpage.
Stay safe and enjoy your time outdoors!
See links below for more resources.
CDC Lyme Disease Brochure Adult
CDC Lyme-disease-fact-sheet-for-parents-English
CDC Lyme-disease-fact-sheet-for-parents-Spanish
CDC Lyme-disease-prevention-fact-sheet Adult-English