Lyme disease: Did you know?

In warmer weather, many of us jump at the chance to spend more time outdoors. However, with rising temperatures also comes increased risk of Lyme disease. Check out these tips to help you protect yourself from ticks, which transmit the disease-causing bacteria.

What is a tick?

A tick is a small insect that can bite and attach itself to humans and animals. Ticks can extract a bacteria from small animals that can cause Lyme disease.

Early symptoms include: Fever, rash, headaches and chills. If left untreated, new signs and symptoms might appear, such as joint pain and neurological disorders.

How to avoid tick bites:

• Check hair and skin carefully after spending time outside
• Use insect repellent
• Cover as much of your body as possible when entering wooded areas

What to do if you’ve been bitten:

• Remove tick with tweezers, getting as close to the skin as possible.
• Use soap and water and an antibiotic ointment to clean the bitten area.
• Check body for other possible ticks.
• Keep the live tick in a container and contact your doctor to see if it should be tested.
• If you experience any symptoms associated with Lyme disease, contact your doctor.