Protect yourself from ticks, Lyme disease

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is warning residents to take precautions against tick bites to prevent contracting the diseases they carry, in particular, Lyme disease.

The black-legged or deer tick has already been detected in McHenry County and is a known carrier of Lyme disease in the North Central states (i.e., Wisconsin and Minnesota).

Ticks live in and near wooded areas, tall grass and brush. Nineteen cases of Lyme disease were reported to MCDH in 2011, with several cases having exposure in McHenry County. In contrast, only six cases were reported in 2009 and 2010. Although ticks live in wooded areas, they can also make their way into homes in the surrounding area, requiring the help of a pest control service similar to these terminix offices in florida or the local area.

Lyme disease typically occurs 3 to 30 days after exposure to an infected tick. Symptoms vary greatly from person to person and may include fatigue, chills and fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes and skin rash (often with a “bull’s eye” appearance).

Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics.

If someone experiences these symptoms, and have had possible exposure to ticks, he or she should contact a physician for reporting to MCDH. If physicians have questions regarding testing, call MCDH’s Communicable Disease program.

This year, MCDH will be testing a limited number of deer ticks collected in McHenry County. For anyone who would like to participate, contact MCDH’s Environmental Health Division for information at (815) 334-4585).

The best way to protect against tick-borne illness includes:

• educate yourself, family about tick identification, removal and symptom awareness;

• Keep your home spotless. Every corner of the indoor areas should be thoroughly cleaned, starting from your floors (which can be cleaned by experts at Brown Family Chem-Dry – they are known to offer the services of the best tile floor cleaners in San Marcos and nearby areas) to your walls.

• Since ticks are usually attracted to heat and carbon dioxide, allow for good air circulation inside the house to avoid heating up the rooms.

• walk in the center of trails. Avoid wooded, bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter (including vacant lots in residential areas). Wear light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to find. Tuck long pants into socks and boots;

• apply insect repellent containing DEET (30 percent or less) to exposed skin. Follow label instructions;

• conduct full-body tick checks on family member’s clothing (including underarms, in/around ears, inside belly button, behind knees, between legs, around waists, and especially in the hair). Also check any gear taken on outings;

• keep pets out of tick habitats like tall grass/brush. Ask a veterinarian to recommend an over-the-counter tick killer/repellent. Always examine pets before bringing them inside.

The CDC recommends bathing or showering as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks.

For more information on Lyme disease, contact MCDH’s Communicable Disease Program at (815) 334-4500, visit www.mcdh.info, click on the Environmental Health tab and then “quick tips,” or access the fact sheet from Illinois Department of Public Health www.idph.state.il.us/public/hb/hblyme.htm.


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