As the weather turns nicer each day and the trees turn green, most of us want to spend as much time outdoors as we possibly can. But we all need to take a moment to remember a few ways to enjoy the outdoors while staying safe from tick bites and the risk of Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is spread by the black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick. It is present in the majority of the counties of Illinois, including those in our area. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by tick bites, and it has been on the rise in Illinois in recent years. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes and in very serious cases they can include severe joint and nervous system problems.
In the United States 35,000 to 45,000 new cases are reported each year, but it is estimated that only about one out of every ten cases is reported. Many Lyme disease cases are misdiagnosed because the symptoms are so similar to other, more common illnesses.
There are easy ways to protect yourself and your loved ones. Before going out into wooded areas or spaces with tall grass, treat your clothing with 0.5% Permethrin insecticide, and wear closed-toe shoes, long pants and long sleeves. When you come back inside, check for ticks on people and pets. If you find a tick, remove it with fine-tipped tweezers.
Find out more about ticks, Lyme disease, and how to avoid it by clicking here.
See more about the tools the Department of Public Health uses to identify ticks in Illinois by clicking here. Get a sneak peek of the trail signs and park posters coming soon from the Illinois Lyme Association by clicking here.