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Ticks

Educate yourself on ticks and Lyme Disease

Deer ticks are very common in the Northeast.  Quick tips on how to prevent and detect Lyme Disease

  1. Before you go outdoors:
    • Know where to expect ticks.  Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas
    • Wear bug spray with DEET to prevent ticks 
    • Avoid contact with ticks by walking in the middle of the trails and avoiding areas with high brush and grass
  2. After coming inside:
    • Check body and clothing for ticks
    • Shower soon after returning indoors
  3. Be able to identify a deer tick.  They are often confused with dog ticks and other insects.  Use the CDC Tick ID webpage
  4. Know how to remove a tick.  Use a tweezers to grab near the head of the tick and pull it out horizontally.  Do not try to remove any remaining tick remnants from under the skin. This may introduce an infection into your system
  5. Note how long the tick may have been attached to your body
    1. If a tick is attached for less than 36 hours it can not transmit Lyme disease. You do not need to seek medical attention
    2. If the tick has been attached between 36-72 hours, you may be able to take a preventive antibiotic to prevent Lyme Disease
  6. Recognize symptoms that may develop within a few weeks.  These might include
    1. Rash, often called a bulls-eye rash
    2. Aches and pains, specifically in  your joints
    3. Fever

For more detailed information you can visit the CDC webpage dedicated to ticks and tick-borne illness

Call Health Services to schedule an appointment for additional tick related information, tick removal, Lyme disease testing, and prevention medications if indicated.