SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) – May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month.

The Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) urges the public to learn how to protect themselves from ticks and Lyme disease.

“Lyme disease is a serious bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of infected ticks,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Lyme Disease is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States affecting more than 500,000 people nationally each year. As the summer approaches, I encourage our residents to learn to ‘Fight the Bite’ and protect yourself and your loved ones from tickborne illnesses.  If you have been in wooded or high grassy areas and are experiencing symptoms – fever, fatigue, headache and a circular rash – see your health care provider immediately.”
The IDPH has created Pocket Cards, a Tick Defense Knowledge Check crossword puzzle and other materials to help school aged children learn about how to protect themselves from tickborne illness. The most important thing people can do is to check themselves, their pets, and their children for ticks after spending time in areas where ticks live, such as wooded areas, tall grass and brush. Removing these ticks within 24 hours reduces risk.
Some other tickborne diseases include Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia, Ehrlichiosis, and Babesiosis. Some can be particularly life-threatening. If you become ill with fever and/or rash after being in an area prone to ticks, contact your healthcare provider immediately. The IDPH has created an interactive Tick Surveillance Map documenting the counties where different tick species have been confirmed.
Public health officials note that Illinoisans who are travelling out of state should be aware that there is a much higher prevalence of Lyme disease in certain geographic areas, including Wisconsin, Minnesota and parts of Michigan, and across the northeastern United States.
Here are some tips to avoid illness in the outdoors:

  • Walk in the center of trails; avoid wooded, bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter.

  • Refer to the Camper Checklist for more protection tips.

  • Wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks more easily.

  • Tuck long pants into socks and boots for added protection.

  • Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing:

    • 20% DEET

    • Picaridin

    • IR3535

    • Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
      (Follow label directions. Use the EPA’s repellent search tool to find a suitable product.)

  • Conduct full-body tick checks every 2–3 hours, focusing on:

    • Underarms

    • Ears

    • Belly button

    • Behind knees

    • Between legs

    • Waist

    • Hair and scalp

  • Check gear and pets after outdoor activities.

  • Dry clothes on high heat for 10 minutes (or one hour for damp clothes) to kill ticks.

  • Bathe or shower within two hours of coming indoors.

  • Seek medical attention if a blacklegged tick was likely attached for more than 3 days — you may need antibiotics to prevent Lyme disease.

  • Save the tick for identification:

    • Place it in rubbing alcohol or a sealed container.

    • Bring it to a healthcare provider or local health department.