NEW CITY, NY — With the arrival of spring and the increase in outdoor activities, the Rockland County Department of Health emphasizes the importance of tick bite prevention for residents enjoying the warmer weather. Dr. Chitra Punjabi, Director of TB & Communicable Disease Control, cautions that the risk of encountering ticks carrying Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases remains high in the Hudson Valley area.
Ticks, which become more active in warmer weather, can transmit several diseases, including Lyme Disease, Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis, and Powassan virus. It is crucial for individuals and families to take preventive measures to reduce their risk of infection.
Key Prevention Strategies
- Trail Awareness: Stick to clear, well-traveled trails. Avoid walking through dense woods and bushy areas where ticks are prevalent. Keep to the center of trails and avoid sitting directly on the ground or on stone walls where ticks may reside.
- Regular Checks: While outside, frequently check your clothes and exposed skin for ticks. After spending time outdoors, perform a full-body check on yourself, your children, and pets. It’s easier to spot and remove ticks during a bath or shower, ideally within two hours of being outdoors.
- Safe Removal: If a tick is found attached to the skin, remove it promptly using fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull steadily upward without twisting or squeezing. Removing ticks quickly and correctly minimizes the risk of disease transmission.
- Appropriate Clothing: Wear light-colored clothing to easily spot ticks. Opt for long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into socks, and closed-toe shoes. Consider wearing a hat or tying back long hair to further reduce exposure.
- Insect Repellent: Apply insect repellent as directed on the product label. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or other EPA-approved ingredients can provide additional protection against ticks.
Symptoms to Watch For
If you develop a rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms following a tick bite, it is vital to seek medical advice promptly. Early intervention can prevent more severe complications associated with tick-borne diseases.
Residents of Rockland County are urged to remain vigilant and adopt these preventive practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable spring season. By taking these steps, you can protect yourself and your family from the health risks posed by ticks.