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TICK SEASON IS HERE-HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
Lyme Disease is an infection caused by a corkscrew shaped bacteria called a spirochete. Ticks carry the Lyme Disease spirochete, and infection occurs after a tick bite. The species of tick responsible for transmitting this disease in New York is the deer tick, and their preferred habitats are wooded areas. These ticks are born uninfected, but acquire the infection after feeding on an infected animal, usually a mouse or other small mammal. Lyme disease is often hard to diagnose because it can have various symptoms that are seen in other illnesses. Health officials say in 60 to 80 percent of the cases, the victim develops a red rash within a few days to a few weeks after being bitten. Depending on the type of tick-borne infection a person has, a specific antibiotic will be given. Early diagnosis and treatment is critical in preventing a serious later-stage disease and potentially chronic illness. To help avoid tick bites, the following tips are recommended: When in tick-infested habitat-wooded and grassy areas, wear light-colored clothing (to spot ticks) and tuck pants into socks and shirt into pants. After every two to three hours outdoors, check for ticks on clothing or skin. Brush off any ticks on clothing before they can attach to your skin. Also, check your children and pets for ticks. Do a thorough tick-check of your entire body at the end of the day. Pay particular attention to the back of the knees, behind the ears, the scalp, the armpits and your back. Removing a tick within 36 hours after it begins feeding, reduces your risk of infection. To remove a tick: Use tweezers, grasping the tick near the mouthparts, as close to the skin as possible. Don't squeeze, crush or puncture the body of the tick, which may contain infectious fluids. Pull the tick in a steady, upward motion away from the skin. After removing the tick, disinfect the bite site with soap, rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Wash your hands carefully. Record the date and location of the tick bite. If a rash appears or you experience flu-like symptoms over the next 30 days, contact your health care provider immediately. If you decide to use tick repellent, apply carefully following label directions. Children may be at greater risk for reactions to repellents, in part, because their exposure may be greater. Do not apply repellents directly to children. Apply to your own hands and then put it on the child. Never apply to the hands of small children. No one should apply repellents near eyes, nose or mouth and use sparingly around ears. Tick repellents may contain the active ingredients DEET, permethrin, or certain botanical oils. Products containing permethrin should be applied to clothing (not skin), and the clothing should be treated before it is put on the body. Be sure to always read and carefully follow the instructions on the repellent product label. Do not assume that repellents will provide complete protection from ticks, and follow all of the above recommendations to help avoid tick bites. Please contact your local health department or visit the State Health Department's website at: www.nyhealth.gov for more information about ticks and tick-borne diseases.
As the Spring season is upon us following a milder then usual winter, it is important to be aware of the dangers that ticks can pose to you and your family. As carriers of Lyme Disease, tick bites can cause serious health conditions if not identified and treated.
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