By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today
As warmer weather arrives, public health officials are warning residents across the state to take action now in order to protect themselves from an tickborne illnesses.
Ticks are parasitic arachnids that are part of the mite superorder Parasitiformes. Adult ticks are only about three to five millimeters in length, depending on age, sex, species, and “fullness.” Ticks are external parasites, living by feeding on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians.
Reports have shown that the tick population has expanded in recent years, and the diseases they carry have become more prevalent. Tick-borne illnesses in the U.S. have more than doubled in the past two decades, due to factors such as increased awareness, a growing population, and environmental changes
“Ticks are common in wooded, brushy and grassy areas, and even in backyards,” said Connie Mendel, director of Louisville Metro Health and Wellness (LMPHW) and their chief health strategist. “In Kentucky, the most frequently reported tickborne diseases are Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) and ehrlichiosis. While most tick bites don’t lead to illness, these infections can cause serious health problems.”
Health officials say you can help prevent tick-related health issues by becoming T-I-C-K smart:
• T— Take precautions: Use insect repellent and wear protective clothing.
• I — Inspect: Check your body (and pets) for ticks after being outdoors.
• C – Carefully remove: Use tweezers to remove the tick close to the skin and clean the area thoroughly.
• K — Keep watch: Monitor for fever, aches, or rashes, and seek medical care if any of those symptoms appear.
“While the majority of tick bites do not result in infections, prevention should be taken seriously because tickborne diseases can lead to some pretty significant health complications,” Mendel said. “We want people to live active lifestyles and enjoy the great outdoors, but we want them to do so safely and be tick aware.”