MAKE TICK AND MOSQUITO PREVENTION PART OF YOUR OUTDOOR PLANS With summer fast approaching and people spending more time outdoors, it is important for everyone to take precautions against tick and mosquito bites which may cause serious disease such as Lyme disease and West Nile Virus. While it is not possible to prevent all cases of tick and mosquito borne illness, you can greatly reduce your risk by following some simple guidelines. Several tick species can be found in Ohio. Blacklegged ticks (formerly known as deer ticks) are becoming common in Ohio and are very prevalent on the east coast. They are the primary source for Lyme disease transmission. They live in moist and humid environments, particularly in vegetation or leaf litter found in wooded areas. To avoid ticks stay away from tall vegetation and walk in the center of established trails, observing any cautionary signage. After being outdoors or in your own yard, check your body and your child’s body for ticks. Look under arms, in and around the ears, on backs of knees and inside of elbows, in hair, groin area, around the waist and belly button. Many ticks are very, very small and from a distance may look like a tiny seed or scab. Use a mirror to view all parts of your body and remove any tick you find by carefully grasping the head with tweezers. In many cases, if ticks are removed promptly after attaching to skin, the opportunity for disease transmission is decreased. Check your clothing and pets for ticks, too, because ticks may be carried into the house. There are repellents available that are labeled for use in dogs and cats. You may wish to contact your veterinarian to discuss the canine Lyme disease vaccine. The Lake County General Health District (LCGHD) will identify ticks submitted on humans or animals if they are presented in good condition. Keep the tick moist with one drop of water on a small piece of paper towel and place in a covered container or plastic bag. If a feeding tick is found on a human body, note the date found on a calendar. Over the next few weeks, watch for signs or symptoms of Lyme disease such as rash, fever or headache. See a healthcare provider if these symptoms develop. Confirmation testing and treatment is available for Lyme disease. Mosquitoes can transmit disease by a bite also, with West Nile Virus (WNV) being the most concerning. Very young children, people who have compromised immune systems and the elderly are at greatest risk for WNV and should be extra cautious to avoid mosquitoes. The incubation period is usually 2 to 6 days but may be as long as 14 days. Most people who are infected do not develop any symptoms, while others may experience fever, a rash, body aches. Encephalitis or meningitis may result in the most severe cases and may result in death. As WNV continues to be a long-term public health threat, LCGHD will monitor the mosquito population, incidence of human illness, and will locate and treat mosquito-breeding sites. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so do your part to control breeding sites by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks if you cannot avoid being outside at dawn/dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Make sure window and door screens are in good repair. Repellents containing Picaridin or DEET can be applied to the skin to repel ticks and mosquitoes. Always follow product instructions. Parents should apply repellents to their children, taking care to avoid application to hands, eyes, and mouth. Products containing permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing, and camping gear. Treated items can remain protective through several washings. Call the LCGHD if you have a concern about a large number of flying mosquitoes or standing water that may be breeding mosquitoes. Standing water can be treated to eliminate the developing larvae. If it is on private property, LCGHD will need to obtain permission is to enter the property. Birds act as a reservoir host of WNV, and then mosquitoes become infected by feeding on them. Although the Ohio Department of Health no longer tests mosquitoes or birds for disease, residents may report dead bird locations which will be mapped to document potential virus activity. Please call the LCGHD at (440) 350-2543.
Posted on: Thu, 22 May 2014 19:28:18 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015