logo

Authorities Urge Public to Take Precautions as Tick Season Begins

Comfort Omovre
Apr 18, 2019
08:39 P.M.

Tick season is starting, and authorities and health experts are advising the public to take the necessary precautions to avoid tick-borne diseases.

Advertisement

Tick season is here again and with it comes diseases that might land an individual in the emergency room. It is prevalent in the Midwestern part of the United States, including California., and hikers and campers are the most infected.

Health experts and authorities are advising the public to take precautions to avoid getting bitten and sick. The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) released a statement to this effect, its epidemiologist, Laura Cronquist, said the highest risk of transmitted tick diseases take place between the end of spring and the beginning of fall.

Advertisement

The diseases caused by ticks are anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Lyme, which is the most common. There are different types of ticks that cause these diseases — there are about ninety species, but the most common are a dog, deer, and lone star ticks.

Tick on a green leaf | Photo: Shutterstock

Tick on a green leaf | Photo: Shutterstock

The one giving experts concern this year is the back legged (deer) tick. It bites mostly during the spring, summer, and fall seasons, but it is also very resilient and survives during the winter. It achieves this by hiding under fallen leaves while it waits out the cold. Note that matured ticks can bite when the temperature is above freezing.

No one knows how bad the season will be this year, but experts say it depends on the number of field mice and acorns that dropped last summer; the latter is from oak trees.

Advertisement
Warning sign "beware of ticks" in infested area in the green forest | Photo: Shutterstock

Warning sign "beware of ticks" in infested area in the green forest | Photo: Shutterstock

Richard Attfield, a disease ecologist and senior scientist at the Institute of Ecosystem Studies is hopeful things will be better this year than the last. He said that the risk of Lyme disease would be below average, but advice that people protect themselves.

Campers and hikers are expected to use repellants approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, treat their backpacks and camping gear with permethrin, wear light outfits, avoid wooded area with tall grass and leaf litters, and stay on the trail. Those with pet dogs are to use tick preventives on them.

 A white dog scratching | Photo: Shutterstock

A white dog scratching | Photo: Shutterstock

Advertisement

Also, put clothes in a dryer with high heat and thoroughly check for ticks becoming into the house. If this does not work, symptoms of the disease include aches, fever, and rash. Note that ticks that cause Lyme disease take up to 36 hours before transmitting.

NDDoH conducted surveillance in 2018 to identify ticks in the North Dakota area. There will be a repeat this year, and members of the public who wants to volunteer can contact them.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Jay Leno Files for Conservatorship over Wife's Estate after They Were Seen in Public Last Time – Photos

January 27, 2024

John Travolta Turns 70: Inside His Life after Death of His Girlfriend and Wife of 28 Years

February 21, 2024

John Travolta Turns 70: Inside His Life after Death of His Girlfriend and Wife of 28 Years

February 19, 2024

15 Best Christmas Movies of All Time to Get You into the Festive Spirit

December 14, 2023

This Girl Dreamt to Gain a Star on the Walk of Fame – At 52, She Gets Standing Ovation at the Emmys While Battling MS

January 17, 2024

14-Year-Old Illinois Girl Dies While Playing a Basketball Game at School

January 31, 2024

Cher’s Son Married Woman Who Resembles Her amid Strained Relationship with His Mom — Photos

February 06, 2024

7-Year-Old Girl 'Tried to Grab Her Brother in Her Final Moments' as a Family Holiday Turned into a Nightmare

February 27, 2024

I Kicked My In-Laws Out after Finding Out What They Did in My Bedroom While I Was Out

January 16, 2024

Selena Gomez Stuns with New Lightened Hair Yet Users Notice She ‘Looks Nothing Like’ Herself

November 28, 2023

7 Best Holiday Hairstyles for Women over 50 to Look Stunning

October 30, 2023

My MIL Would Secretly Give Me Porcelain Dolls Every Christmas — I Was Shocked to Find Out Their True Purpose

February 05, 2024

My MIL Would Secretly Give Me Porcelain Dolls Every Christmas — I Was Shocked to Find Out Their True Purpose

December 30, 2023

Melanie Griffith & Don Johnson’s Baby Was ‘God’s Plan’ — Now They’re Proud Parents of an ‘Extraordinary’ Daughter

November 24, 2023