Prevent Lyme disease

With outdoor activity season underway, Iowans are reminded to protect themselves against tick bites. Ticks can carry the organisms that cause Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Ehrlichiosis.

Most cases of Lyme disease occur in the summer months. Anyone can get Lyme disease, especially if they are spending long periods of time outside in areas where infected ticks are found. 78 cases of Lyme disease were reported to Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) in 2010.

Not everyone who gets Lyme disease will have the same symptoms, but the best and earliest sign of infection is a rash that may appear within a few days to a month, usually at the site of the tick bite. The circular red rash may increase in size and can eventually look like a ?bull?s eye? with a clear center.

Along with the rash, other ?flu-like? symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, stiff neck, muscle and joint pain may be present. It is important to contact your health care provider immediately if you develop this type of rash or symptoms.

If you discover a tick on your body, remove it right away. Folk remedies, such as burning the tick with a match or covering it with petroleum jelly or nail polish, are not effective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following instructions for removing a tick:

1. Carefully grasp the tick by using tweezers to grip the tick by its mouthparts which are close to the skin. Do not squeeze the tick?s body.
2. Pull steadily directly away from your skin. Because removing the tick?s body is your main goal, don?t worry if its mouthparts break off in the process.
3. Clean the wound and disinfect the site of the bite.

The best way to prevent tick bites is to avoid wooded and grassy areas, where ticks are usually found. If you do spend time in these areas:

? Wear long-sleeved shirts and long, light-colored pants tucked into socks or boots.

? Stay on the trails and avoid high grass.

? Use insect repellants that contain DEET. Read and follow the label directions for application. DEET is not recommended for use on children under 2 months of age.

? Check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks. Ticks prefer the back of the knee, armpit, scalp, groin and back of the neck.

Stay healthy and enjoy the nice warm weather!