Ticks on the Move: Keep Yourself and Others Safe from Tickborne Diseases
During the summer months, the danger of tick-borne diseases in Langlade County increases. This year, Langlade County Health Department continues to see tickborne diseases making residents ill. The Langlade County Health Department is reminding residents to take steps to avoid tick bites and to check for ticks daily.
In Wisconsin, ticks can cause several illnesses though not all ticks spread illness. It is important to be aware of ticks, the illnesses they cause, and how to prevent bites.
The most common illness caused by ticks is Lyme Disease. Early signs include fever, headache, tiredness, joint pain, and a round “bullseye” rash. If not treated, Lyme Disease can lead to more joint pain and other complications.
Other tick illnesses can include anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Powassan virus.
Anaplasmosis often causes fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, and tiredness. Sometimes a rash appears. Babesiosis can bring fever, chills, sweats, headaches, body aches, fatigue, and anemia (low red blood cells). Some people have no symptoms. Powassan virus may start with fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, speech trouble, and seizures. Severe cases can harm the brain and need hospitalization.
To protect yourself and your family:
WEAR THE RIGHT CLOTING. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants while outdoors.
USE BUG SPRAY. Wear insect repellent with 20% or more DEET.
AVOID TICK HEAVY AREAS. Ticks like to live in tall grass and other vegetation. Avoid those areas if possible.
PREVENT TICKS ON ANIMALS. Check your pets for ticks daily if they spend time outdoors and talk to a veterinarian about the best tick prevention for your pet.
PERFORM DAILY TICK CHECKS. Ticks that spread disease can be as small as poppy seeds. Check your entire body after being outside, even if you were only in your yard. Pay special attention to the armpits, scalp, groin and areas behind the knees, in and around the ears and inside the belly button.
TAKE A SHOWER. Take a shower or bath after being outdoors. This helps find and wash away any ticks on your body.
TUBMBLE DRY CLOTHES AFTER BEING OUTDOORS. Tumble dry clothes on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any ticks that may have come in on your clothes.
If you find a tick, remove it safely with tweezers. Grasp close to the skin and pull straight out. Watch for any signs of illness and talk to your doctor if you develop any symptoms after a tick bite.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services offers a fast and simple Tick Identification Service based on a few questions and a photograph submitted online. Visit: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/6834973/Tick-Identification for more information.
