Warm spring means more tick activity

[April 27, 2012]  Due to the warm spring, ticks have been generally more active this year. Ticks have four pairs of legs, no antennae and are members of the arachnid family, which also includes scorpions, spiders and mites. Ticks have four life stages and are fairly small, with many adult species measuring only around one-eighth inch or slightly larger. Adult ticks that have fed may reach one-half inch in length.

In Illinois, some common species of ticks found that will feed on humans are the American dog tick, the lone star tick and the deer tick. The American dog tick can carry diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia, while the deer tick can transmit the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease.

Ticks are efficient carriers of disease because they can firmly attach to a host when sucking blood. In addition, they feed slowly and can go unnoticed for a lengthy period of time while feeding. Ticks cannot fly but will dwell in wooded areas or among tall grass and weeds. When a host or person brushes up along the vegetation, the tick will attach itself and shortly begin the feeding process. The process of feeding may take several days. If a tick attaches itself to your body, the best way to remove it is by grasping the tick with tweezers as close to your skin as possible, and gently, but firmly, pull it straight out. Do not use bare hands to remove a tick because their secretions may carry disease.

There are ways in which to protect yourself from ticks. The Logan County Department of Public Health recommends if you are hiking on trails, walk in the center of the trail to avoid grass and brush. Examine clothing and skin frequently for ticks when outdoors. Apply insect repellent with DEET (10-30 percent) primarily to clothing and use as directed. Wear light-colored clothing and tuck your pants into socks. If you have pets, examine them for ticks. At home, keep your yard mowed and maintained free of weeds.

If you have an unexplained rash or illness with a fever following a tick bite, you should see your doctor. Diseases carried by ticks can be treated with antibiotics if intervention occurs in the early stages of infection.

If you have questions regarding ticks or would like more information, you can contact the Logan County Department of Public Health at 217-735-2317.

Information source: Illinois Department of Public Health

[Text from file received from the Logan County Department of Public Health]