This summer, if you want to spend time in nature, be aware that ticks are likely to accompany you outside. In Ohio and elsewhere, the number of ticks is increasing, and tick-borne illnesses are becoming more prevalent.
Twelve tick species, including two that are quite recent, may be found in Ohio. The American dog tick, the blacklegged tick (sometimes called the deer tick), and the Lone Star tick are the three species that carry illness most frequently in Ohio.
The blacklegged tick, which spreads Lyme disease, is expanding its geographic distribution in Ohio. While the majority of people are aware of Lyme disease, they might not be familiar with other illnesses spread by ticks, such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis.
Ticks live in grassy, brushy, and wooded settings. They may also be found in your garden and yard, as well as in your neighborhood. They cling to hosts that are moving or crawling by. Ticks consume the blood of humans, pets, deer, mice, squirrels, and rabbits. They are tough animals that can spend extended periods without eating and endure harsh northern winters.
Watch for Symptoms
Since there is a little chance of contracting a disease from a bite, being bitten by an infected tick does not guarantee that you will become sick.
Since there is a little chance of contracting a disease from a bite, being bitten by an infected tick does not guarantee that you will become sick.
However, it’s wise to keep an eye out for any signs. Similar symptoms, such as fever, chills, body aches, weariness, and rashes, are brought on by a number of tick-borne illnesses.
From minor infections that may be treated at home to serious illnesses that need hospitalization, tick-borne diseases can cause symptoms. The risk of significant consequences is reduced by early detection and antibiotic treatment of the illness. If you have been bitten by a tick and are showing signs of a tick-borne illness, consult your doctor right once.
Even if you do not get a disease spread by ticks, the tick bite site may nevertheless enlarge and inflame.
Lyme Disease
The Lyme disease is one illness that may be spread by ticks. Its symptoms might differ from person to person. A bulls-eye rash, exhaustion, a headache, and a fever are among the symptoms. Lyme disease may harm the heart, joints, and brain system if left untreated.
The majority of human instances of Lyme disease are caused by nymphal ticks, which are immature ticks. Nymphs are fewer than 2 millimeters in size, therefore they could go overlooked. While adult blacklegged ticks are active in the spring, fall, and winter, they are only active in the spring and summer.
Dogs can also get severe signs of Lyme disease. While outdoor cats can bring infected ticks into your home, indoor cats are not vulnerable to the disease.
Precautions Against Tick Bites
Precautions are the greatest defense against diseases spread by ticks:
- Consult your veterinarian for information on tick prevention for dogs. Regularly check your pets for ticks.
- Maintain a neat lawn and do your best to clear away any leaf litter and brush.
- Keep close to the center of the trail whether hiking or strolling through a natural area. Stay away from shrubs, trees, tall grass, and leaf litter. To make it simpler to notice ticks, dress in bright colors. Wear long sleeves, socks, and trousers. Put your boots or socks inside your pants. Use a tick repellent with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency registration.
- Remove any ticks you detect right away to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Grab the tick as closely to the skin as you can using tweezers. Up till it releases, pull forcefully. Use soap and water to clean the area.
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