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Health & Fitness

FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OFFERS PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID TICK BITES

FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OFFERS PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID TICK BITES

 When spring weather arrives, so does the season for tick activity, and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County encourages visitors to protect themselves against tick bites when outdoors.
      The most common species of ticks in DuPage County are the American dog tick, sometimes called the wood tick (Dermacentor variabilis), and the blacklegged tick, also known as the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis). The risk of contracting Lyme disease, which is spread by deer ticks, is greatest in spring and fall.
      “Although we know Lyme disease has been present in DuPage since at least 2005, it’s not common,” said District ecologist Tom Velat. “And most people who contract it can effectively treat it with prescription antibiotics,” he added, cautioning, though, that anyone who suspects a tick-related illness should consult a doctor for professional medical advice.
      The Illinois Department of Public Health advises individuals to take the following actions to help prevent tick bites.
* Wear long-sleeved tops and long pants, and tuck pants into socks to prevent ticks from crawling under clothing. Wear light-colored materials that will make it easier to see ticks.
* Use insect repellent containing DEET when spending time outdoors. (Be sure to read and follow the product directions.)
* Walk in the center of trails to avoid brushing against low vegetation, where ticks are most likely to be present. Contrary to popular belief, ticks are not likely to fall from trees.
* Examine skin for ticks when you return home, and check again the following morning. Ticks search for warm areas to attach to feed, so carefully examine the legs, underwear area, waist, armpits and head.
* Examine pets for ticks.
* Carefully remove attached ticks immediately.
      To remove a tick that is embedded under the skin, use fine-tipped tweezers to firmly grasp it very close to the skin and pull the tick away from the skin with a steady motion. Clean the bite area with soap and warm water and apply antiseptic. Do not burn a tick or cover it with petroleum jelly or nail polish; these are not effective methods for safe removal and may increase the risk of infection.
      For additional precautions and information regarding ticks and tick-borne illness, contact the DuPage County Health Department at 630-682-7979, ext. 7553, or visit dupagehealth.org.
      The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County owns and manages 25,000 acres of prairies, woodlands and wetlands. Each year more than 4 million visitors enjoy 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, five education centers and scores of programs. To get District e-news in your inbox, sign up at dupageforest.org/e-newsletter. For general information, visit dupageforest.org or call 630-933-7200.

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