- Bites from ticks and mosquitoes can make you sick!
- They can spread germs that cause diseases like Lyme disease and West Nile Virus.
- Lyme disease is most common tick related disease in Chautauqua County and the northeast.
- You can Fight the Bite and learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from mosquitoes and ticks.
Lyme Disease is caused by bacteria transmitted by the Blacklegged Tick, more commonly known as the deer tick. It may cause symptoms effecting the skin, nervous system, heart and/or joints of an individual. It is important to check for and remove any ticks immediately.
How to Remove an Engorged Tick
Ticks should be removed as soon as possible to avoid risk of infection. In general, infected ticks must be attached for more than 24 hours to transmit infection. By removing a tick within 24 hours you can greatly reduce your chances of getting Lyme disease.
- Use tweezers to grasp the mouth parts of the tick as close to the skin as possible
- Pull steadily and firmly upward until the tick lets go
How to Clean a Tick Bite
Once the tick is properly removed:
- Clean the bite area with soap and water
- Apply antiseptic, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide
- Contact your physician
Lyme Disease Symptoms
Lyme disease is the most common tick related disease in Chautauqua County and the northeast. Early symptoms usually occur within a month of exposure, frequently as a circular, or "bullseye" rash with a clear center area. Fever, headache, fatigue, stiff neck, and muscle or joint pain are other early warnings. Visit the CDC's website for a complete list of symptoms.
Seek medical attention if you observe any of these symptoms and have had a recent tick bite.
Avoid Exposure
- Wear long clothing with pants tucked into boots
- Choose a tick and insect repellent that works best for you while being active outdoors
- Always follow the labeling instructions for the proper use of tick and insect repellents and consult your physician about possible reactions to different repellents
- You should also consult your physician prior to using repellents on small children
- Do tick checks at the end of outdoor activities on yourself, your kids, your outdoor companions, etc.
- Shower after a day of outdoor activities to help wash away any critters that may not be attached yet.
- Check pets for ticks because most pets spend time on couches, beds, etc. where ticks could find their way to their human companions.
- Maintain yards so you don’t attract ticks and mosquitoes.
- Keep brush and weeds mowed.
- Eliminate standing water that can act as mosquito breeding pools
