Danger may be lurking
\nIf your summer plans include hiking in the woods or running carefree through a lush meadow, beware – danger may be lurking – in the form of a small, unassuming insect called a tick.
\nBut don\u2019t let a tick\u2019s small size fool you; it can pack quite a punch. They are known to transmit numerous diseases to people and pets, with Lyme disease being the most common.
\nSymptoms of Lyme disease include fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, and a bull\u2019s – eye rash at the site of the bite.
\nLyme disease can be serious or fatal if not properly diagnosed and treated, so prevention is important. If possible, it\u2019s best to avoid shady, moist areas in woody and grassy locations, as these are the preferred hiding spots for ticks. If you do need to venture into these areas, walk on well groomed trails and avoid contact with overgrown grass, brush and leaf litter.
\nOther prevention tips include:
\n– Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot.
\n– Wear enclosed shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck pants into socks or boots.
\n– Apply insect\/tick repellent containing DEET, following manufacturer\u2019s instructions.
\n– Check clothes and exposed skin frequently for ticks.
\n– Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors to wash off and more easily find ticks.
\nUpon returning from potentially tick-infested areas, search your clothes and entire body for ticks. They can attach to any part of the body, but are commonly found in the hairline, ears, waistline, groin, armpits and sock line. Prompt removal of a tick is the best method to decrease the chance of infection.
\nIf you find one attached to your skin, follow these instructions: Using fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin\u2019s surface as possible. Slowly and gently pull upward with steady, even pressure. Be sure to pull the tick straight out. Don\u2019t twist or jerk the tick as this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the mouth-parts with tweezers. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the area and your hands with soap and water and apply an antiseptic to the bite wound.
\nIf the tick is alive after removal, place it in an airtight container with a blade of grass or moistened piece of paper towel and contact MMDHD for further instructions (989-224-3111 in Clinton County, 989-875-1019 in Gratiot County and 989-831-3615 in Montcalm County). Testing of the tick may or may not be necessary; MMDHD will be able to tell you for sure. It is important to note that dead ticks cannot be tested.
\nIf a rash or fever develops within several weeks of removing a tick, be sure to see your doctor.
\nTo prevent ticks from attaching to your pets, use a combination of topical pest repellants as well as frequent body checks. Make sure to run your hands over the animal\u2019s body with sufficient pressure to feel any bumps. Be sure to check around the animal\u2019s ears, chest, underbelly, legs, feet, and tail. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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