Beware of Ticks: Lyme Disease May Become More Common This Year
This year can be bad for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. One group of parasitologists predict a “higher than usual threat” in areas where Lyme is already widespread and the disease continues to gain territory every year (as shown by the CDC maps above).
If you find a tick attached to you, remove it with tweezers rather than burning or using chemicals. (These methods actually increase your risk of getting sick because the tickpushes stomach contents into you as it releases it.)
Only about two-thirds of Lyme disease cases are associated with a bull’s-eye rash , and people often don’t remember being bitten at all. So if you live in an area where Lyme is common, watch out for flu symptoms, fever, or neck pain and see your doctor to get tested if you’re unsure.
Vo-the first, prevent tick bites by using one-two punch of DEET to skin and permethrin on clothes : and then, and more secure for you and effective against ticks. Now is a great time, if you haven’t already, treat your favorite hiking boots with permethrin. Have a nice summer!
Interactive Maps – Lyme Disease | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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