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Tick-Borne Diseases
What You Need to Know
Tick-borne illness refers to any disease that is transmitted to humans or animals through the bite of an infected tick. Ticks are small arachnids that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians. When a tick bites a host, it can transmit bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens into the host’s bloodstream, potentially causing illness.
Lyme disease, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis are a few of tick-borne illnesses, and there are many others that can affect humans and animals. Prevention, early detection, and prompt treatment are essential for managing tick-borne diseases effectively.
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When venturing into tick-prone areas such as wooded or grassy areas, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into socks, and closed-toe shoes. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks.
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Apply EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin on exposed skin and clothing. Follow the instructions carefully, especially when using on children.
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After spending time outdoors, thoroughly check your body, clothing, and gear for ticks. Pay close attention to areas such as the scalp, behind the ears, underarms, groin, and behind the knees. Promptly remove any ticks you find.
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Showering within two hours of coming indoors can help wash away ticks that may be crawling on your skin but haven’t attached yet.
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Keep your outdoor recreational areas, such as yards and playgrounds, well-maintained. Remove leaf litter, mow lawns regularly, and create barriers (like wood chips or gravel) between wooded areas and lawn.
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Use tick prevention products recommended by your veterinarian for your pets. Regularly check your pets for ticks, especially after they’ve been outdoors.
More Health Information
See More Health Alerts
Seasonal Influenza
Explore the right precautions to prevent the spread of influenza, like covering your mouth, hand washing, staying home, and getting the flu shot.
Salmonella Prevention
Learn how to mitigate salmonella exposure from live poultry with hand washing and other safety practices.
Lead Prevention
Lead exposure in water can have a number of harmful health effects. Learn how to identify and prevent lead exposure in your water.
Tick-Borne Diseases
Learn the symptoms of tick-borne diseases and how to prevent them.
Mosquito Protection
Always remember the three Ds of mosquito protection: Drain, Defend, Dress.
Emergency Services
For after-hours public health emergencies, please contact your local police department.
For more information about environmental health and tick-borne disease prevention please contact:
