Page 4 - Senior Times South Central Michigan May 2023 - 30-05

Page 4 Senior Times - May 2023
STAY HEALTHY THIS TICK SEASON
By: Chelsea Wuth, MDHHS
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) encourages Michigan residents to take steps to avoid tick bites while enjoying the outdoors. Tick-borne diseases, particularly Lyme disease and ana- plasmosis, are increasing across the state as weather warms. Ticks can be active when the weather is above 40°F.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instruc- tions when applying repellents.
“Preventing tick bites is the best way
to prevent tick-borne diseases,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “Michigan residents who find a tick attached to their body should promptly remove it and monitor their health. If they begin to experience fever, rash, muscle or joint aches, or other symptoms, they should consult a medical provider.”
remove attached ticks with tweezers.
• To remove a tick, grasp the tick firmly
Signs and symptoms of tick-borne disease typically begin one to two weeks after a tick bite, often after being in wooded or brushy areas where ticks commonly live. Early symptoms can be non-specific and include fever or chills, rash, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. Early treatment with appropri- ate antibiotics can decrease the risk of seri- ous complications.
People can protect themselves against Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases by following these tips:
coming indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks that might be crawling on you.
Lyme disease, caused by the bacte-
rium Borrelia burgdorferi, is the most common tick-borne disease in Michigan. Anaplasmosis, caused by the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum, is the sec- ond most common tick-borne disease in Michigan and cases are increasing, particu- larly in the state’s Upper Peninsula.
contact with ticks outdoors and bring them into the home. Talk with your veterinarian about the best tick prevention products for your pets.
Not all ticks spread the same germs. MDHHS can help to identify ticks you may encounter outdoors. Residents can email pho- tos of ticks to MDHHS-Bugs@michigan.gov for identification or submit ticks to MDHHS for identification. For more information on how to submit your tick and/or photos and information on ticks, visit Michigan.gov/ Lyme.
Both Lyme disease and anaplasmosis are transmitted by Ixodes scapularis, commonly known as the blacklegged or deer tick. The blacklegged tick is well-established in parts
is right for you.
• Treat clothes (especially pants, socks, and
of Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas and has been expanding its range over the years. Information about Lyme disease risk by county is available at Michigan.gov/ Lyme.
and as closely to the skin as possible using tweezers. With a steady motion, pull the tick’s body away from the skin. Cleanse the area with an antiseptic.
Avoid tick-infested areas.
• Ticks live in grassy, brushy, and wooded
• Wash clothing in hot water and dry on high heat to kill ticks in clothing.
areas.
• Walk in the center of trails to avoid contact
The MDHHS Emerging & Zoonotic Infectious Diseases Section has recent-
ly released a report "Michigan Trends in Tickborne Disease, 2016-2020," which includes up-to-date information on the types of ticks that are common in Michigan and the diseases they can carry.
with overgrown grass, brush, and leaf litter
at trail edges.
• Protect pets! Dogs and cats can come into
Use insect repellent.
• Apply an EPA-registered repellent on
exposed skin. Find a repellent product that
shoes) with permethrin, which kills ticks on contact or buy clothes that are pre-treated. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
For more information on Lyme disease, visit CDC.gov/Lyme.
Perform daily tick checks.
• Always check for ticks on yourself and
your animals after being outdoors, includ-
ing in your own wooded yard.
• Inspect all body surfaces carefully and
Bathe or shower.
• Bathe or shower as soon as possible after
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