Ticks & Lyme Disease

It's Tick Season, so be careful when you're out and about! As the weather warms up, people in our County are spending more time outside. But here's the thing: ticks love this weather too, and they can carry Lyme Disease. Here's what you need to know to stay safe:

How to Avoid Tick Bites:

• Stay away from areas with a lot of tall grass and bushes from April to September.
• Wear light-colored clothes so you can spot ticks easily.
• Put on long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, socks, and shoes. Tuck your pants into your socks and your shirt into your pants. You can even tape where your pants and socks meet.
• Check your clothes and body regularly for ticks when you're outside. When you get back home, make sure to check your pets too.
• Use insect repellent with 20% to 30% DEET on your skin or clothes. Just be sure to read the instructions, especially if you're pregnant or have kids.

Signs of Lyme Disease:

If you think you got bitten by a tick, watch out for these signs of Lyme Disease:

• Look for a red rash that looks like a "bullseye." It might show up within three days to a month after the bite, but sometimes, there might be no rash at all.
• Pay attention to flu-like symptoms like feeling tired, chills, fever, headache, muscle/joint pain, or swollen lymph nodes.
• In the late stages, Lyme Disease can cause arthritis. This might not show up until weeks, months, or even years after a tick bite.

Remember, if you notice any of these signs, it's important to get checked by a doctor. Stay safe out there!