Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is urging the public to educate themselves on how to protect against ticks and Lyme disease as National Lyme Disease Awareness Month kicks off. IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra highlighted the importance of being informed, stating, “Lyme disease is an infection that individuals can get from the bite of infected ticks – and it is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States with more than 500,000 people diagnosed and treated each year.”

To help raise awareness and educate the public, IDPH has created resources such as a fact sheet and Tick Defense Knowledge Check crossword puzzle. Director Vohra emphasized the need for vigilance in checking for ticks, stating, “The most important thing people can do to ‘Fight the Bite’ is to diligently check themselves, their pets, and children for ticks after spending time in areas where ticks live.”

In addition to Lyme disease, other serious tickborne illnesses such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia, Ehrlichiosis, and Babesiosis pose a threat. Director Vohra warned, “Some tickborne illnesses can be life-threatening. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is particularly dangerous and may cause death as quickly as five days after symptom onset.”

State public health officials have also collaborated with the Illinois Natural History Survey to develop an interactive Tick Surveillance Map that tracks confirmed tick species and the diseases they may carry in various counties in Illinois. Illinoisans are advised to be cautious when traveling to areas with a higher prevalence of Lyme disease, such as Wisconsin, Minnesota, parts of Michigan, and the northeastern United States.

To prevent tickborne illnesses, individuals are encouraged to follow safety tips such as walking in the center of trails, wearing light-colored clothing, using EPA-registered insect repellent, conducting regular tick checks, and taking precautions when returning indoors. If a black-legged tick is found attached for more than three days, medical attention should be sought to prevent Lyme disease.

For those who find ticks, it is recommended to keep the tick for species identification by placing it in rubbing alcohol or a sealed container to bring to a healthcare provider or local health department. Clinicians can access additional information on Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever through resources provided by IDPH.

As Illinois residents gear up for outdoor activities with the warmer weather, being informed and proactive in preventing tickborne illnesses is crucial. Through awareness and precautionary measures, individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones from the potentially serious consequences of tick bites.