NEW ROCHELLE, NY (May 13, 2023) — The Westchester County Department of Health is encouraging everyone to take precautions against the transmission of Lyme Disease.
May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and educate people about the risks and prevention of this tick-borne illness. Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, also known as a deer tick. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 300,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year in the United States.
Lyme disease can cause a range of symptoms, such as fever, headache, fatigue, joint pain, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, Lyme disease can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious complications, such as arthritis, nerve damage, heart problems, and cognitive impairment. The CDC recommends seeking medical attention as soon as possible if you develop any signs or symptoms of Lyme disease after a tick bite.
The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to avoid tick bites when you are outdoors. Here are some tips to reduce your exposure to ticks and lower your chances of getting infected:
– Shower as soon as possible after coming indoors to wash off any loose ticks that may be on your skin or clothing. Use a fine-toothed comb or a lint roller to check your hair and hairline for any ticks that may have burrowed.
– Use a mirror or ask someone to help you check your entire body for ticks, especially in hard-to-see areas such as your underarms, groin, belly button, behind the ears, and between the toes. If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it carefully with tweezers and dispose of it in a sealed bag or container.
– Avoid walking or sitting in tall grass and over-grown, bushy areas where ticks are more likely to live. Stick to clear paths and trails when hiking or camping. Wear light-colored clothing so you can spot ticks more easily.
– Tuck your pants into your socks and wear long sleeves and a hat to create a barrier and prevent ticks from getting to your skin. You can also spray your clothing and gear with permethrin, an insecticide that kills or repels ticks. Do not apply permethrin directly to your skin.
– Use an EPA-registered insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone on your exposed skin. Follow the product instructions carefully and reapply as needed.
– Check your pets for ticks before bringing them indoors. You can also use tick prevention products on your pets, such as collars, sprays, or spot-on treatments. Consult your veterinarian for advice on the best option for your pet.
– Keep your yard clean and tidy by mowing the lawn regularly, removing leaf litter and debris, trimming bushes and trees, and creating a barrier of wood chips or gravel between your yard and wooded areas. You can also discourage deer and other wildlife that carry ticks from entering your yard by fencing it off or removing any food sources.
Remember, ticks need to feed for 24 hours before transmission occurs. The sooner you find and remove ticks from your body, the less likely you will get Lyme disease. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the outdoors safely and protect yourself and your loved ones from this potentially serious illness.