Summer Pests: Ticks, Mosquitoes, and Knowing When to Be Concerned

Summer Pests: Ticks, Mosquitoes, and Knowing When to Be Concerned

**Preventing Tick-Borne Diseases: A Comprehensive Guide**

As the warmer months approach, it's essential to be aware of the increased risk of tick-borne diseases in Upstate New York. Here's a guide to help you understand the symptoms, preventive measures, and precautions to take during this season.

**Common Symptoms of Anaplasmosis and Lyme Disease**

Anaplasmosis, a less common but still significant tick-borne disease, often presents with symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, nausea, and stomach pain. Unlike Lyme disease, it does not typically cause a rash.

Lyme disease, the most commonly reported tick-borne disease in New York State, can cause a characteristic Erythema migrans rash, along with fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and other symptoms.

**Preventive Measures**

To prevent tick bites and reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases, follow these effective measures:

1. **Use Insect Repellent**: Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin can provide a simple and effective barrier against ticks. 2. **Wear Protective Clothing**: Long sleeves, pants, and light-colored clothing make it easier to see ticks. 3. **Stay on Trails**: Avoid walking through tall grass and brush where ticks are more prevalent. 4. **Check for Ticks**: Regularly inspect yourself, children, and pets for ticks after spending time outdoors.

**Tick Removal Procedure**

If you find an attached tick, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it close to the skin's surface and pull upward with steady pressure. Clean the area and hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

**Precautions During Tick Season in Upstate New York**

- Be aware that ticks are active from late spring through the summer, and the risk of infection is highest during these periods. - Warmer temperatures and changing climate conditions have increased tick populations in New York. - If bitten and experiencing symptoms, seek medical attention promptly for diagnosis and treatment.

**Additional Tips**

- Protect your pets by using tick prevention measures for them as well. - Stay up-to-date with local health advisories regarding tick-borne diseases. - Showering after outdoor activities can help in tick detection. - Drying dirty clothes in the dryer for an hour on high-heat can kill stowaway ticks. - It's important to check for ticks after coming indoors, especially after outdoor activities in areas with higher grass or leaf litter. - Ticks cannot spread Lyme disease unless attached for at least 36 hours. - Not all ticks are infected with the bacteria that cause Lyme disease or anaplasmosis. - Upstate New York has a high number of infected deer ticks.

**Tackling Mosquito-Borne Diseases**

In addition to ticks, mosquitoes can also pose a threat. West Nile virus, while rare, can occur in New York and may cause fever, headache, or skin rash in mild cases. To reduce the mosquito population in your yard, rid it of stagnant water and regularly change out waters in birdbaths. Using bug spray or mosquito spray for your yard can also help keep mosquitos away.

In case of assistance with tick removal, locate a UR Medicine Urgent Care near you. Remember, awareness, prevention, and prompt medical care are key to staying safe during tick and mosquito season.

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Lyme Disease. [2] New York State Department of Health. (2021). Tick-Borne Diseases. [3] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Lyme disease.

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