Now that it is officially summer and families are spending more time outdoors, the East Greenbush Central School District wants to share some helpful information about tickborne diseases, such as Lyme Disease, from the New York State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Ticks can be infected with bacteria, viruses or parasites and then spread diseases to people. Ticks live in grassy or wooded areas, or even on animals, and they are most active during warmer months, according to the CDC.
Spending time outside, whether playing in the backyard, gardening, camping or walking your dog can bring you in contact with ticks. Be sure to check your skin and clothing for ticks when coming indoors from those types of activities. Ticks can be carried inside on clothing or pets and then attach to a person later.
Here are some simple steps you can take to prevent tickborne diseases, as recommended by the New York State Department of Health and CDC:
- Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
- Check for ticks often while outdoors and brush them away before they attach.
- Keep long hair tied back, especially when gardening.
- Consider using EPA-approved insect repellent, and follow label instructions.
- Stay on cleared, well-traveled trails. Walk in the center of trails. Avoid dense woods and bushy areas.
- Shower as soon as possible after coming indoors.
- Do a final, full-body tick check at the end of the day (also check children and pets), and remove ticks promptly.
If you have been bitten by a tick and develop symptoms such as fever, chills, aches, joint pains and rashes within a few weeks, you should see a health care provider immediately.
Resources
- Be Tick Free – A Guide for Preventing Lyme Disease (NYS Department of Health)
- Dress to Repel! (NYS Department of Health)
- Preventing Tick Bites (CDC)
- Tick Removal (CDC)