Politics & Government
Don't Tick Me Off
It's that time of year again when ticks start moving around and that means the potential for Lyme disease. Follow these tips to help avoid those dangerous little bugs.
The North Shore Public Health Department would like to inform you that May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Lyme disease, spread by the bite of an infected deer tick, can cause severe illness. Lyme disease may cause signs and symptoms affecting the skin, nervous system, heart, and/or joints of an infected person. If you are in areas where ticks may be present, take the following precautions to reduce the risk of acquiring Lyme disease:
- Use insect repellents containing 0.5% permethrin or 20-30% DEET to repel deer ticks.
- Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and high socks with pant cuffs tucked into the socks.
- Walk in the center of mowed trails to avoid brushing up against vegetation.
- Conduct thorough "tick checks" on yourself, your children, and pets after spending time in wooded areas.
There is currently no vaccination for humans to protect against Lyme disease. If you have any questions about Lyme disease or need help identifying a tick, please call the North Shore Public Health Department at 371-2980.
