There is definitely an uptick in tick-borne illnesses this season.
Tick-borne diseases, namely Lyme, Babesiosis and Anaplasmosis, can affect people of any age. Please know to expect ticks here in Mattapoisett and in neighboring towns.
Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas and on animals. When you and your pet spend time in wooded areas, whether it be camping, gardening, or simply playing in the backyard, you will likely be in close contact with ticks.
How can we prevent being bitten by an infected tick?
Know where to expect ticks. Ticks are known to live in shady, moist areas at ground level. They cling to tall grass, brush and shrubs, usually no more than 18-24 inches off the ground. They also live in lawns and gardens, especially at the edges of woods and around stonewalls. Ticks do not jump or fly and are not known to drop onto passing people or animals. Rather, ticks transfer to humans and animals by direct contact.
-Stay on clear, well-traveled trails.
-Avoid contact with tall grasses and vegetation.
-Wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks easily.
-Wear repellent with DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil.
-Check your pets and yourself daily following outdoor activities.
If a tick gets on the skin, it generally climbs until it reaches a warm, protected area. Measures of prevention include:
-Check clothes and any exposed skin frequently for ticks while outdoors and check again once indoors.
-Common areas to check for ticks when scanning your whole body is: under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist and on the hairline and scalp.
-Shower soon after returning indoors.
If you find a tick on your skin, do not panic. Kids, tell your parents if you find a tick so that it can be properly removed.
-When removing the tick, do not squeeze, twist, or squash the tick.
-Use fine-point tweezers or a tick-removal tool.
-Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
-Pull the tick straight out with steady, even pressure.
-Disinfect the bite area and wash your hands.
If symptoms develop, contact your primary care physician as soon as possible. Early detection is key to a speedy recovery. For further information, go to www.mass.gov/tick-bornediseases. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the Mattapoisett Public Health Nursing Office at 508-758-4118.
By Emily Field, MSN, RN