Gwen Rummell Reporting –
The Tuscarawas County Health Department is giving tips regarding ticks for Lyme Disease Awareness Month.
Three ticks that can be seen outdoors include the American Dog Tick from late March through July, Blacklegged “deer” tick all year, and the Lone Star tick from April to August. All ticks can carry borrelia bacteria, which can cause Lyme Disease.
Community Relations Jennifer Demuth noted advice on how to protect oneself from ticks.
“One of the best ways to do that is to avoid wooded or bushy areas with high grass. If you’re on a trail, try to stay to the center of the trail and always consider using a repellant that contains 20 to 30 percent deet on any exposed skin or clothing to help protect your body from tick bites for several hours.”
Following their return to an inside building, people who have been outside should wash their clothes within two hours and take a shower.
Those who have been bitten by a tick should monitor their symptoms and the bite area. A fever or rash is reason to visit a doctor.
To learn more about Lyme Disease and taking precautions against infection, visit www.tchdnow.org/ticks.
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