Take action to prevent tick and mosquito bites. While many Wisconsin residents are more than ready to take advantage of the warmer weather and enjoy the great outdoors, the Douglas County Health Department strongly encourages everyone to take care to avoid tick and mosquito bites.
Ticks and mosquitoes can transmit various illnesses. Lyme disease, which is spread by ticks, and West Nile virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, account for most of the disease spread in Wisconsin.
Recent reports show the illnesses are on the rise in the state. Many people consider ticks and mosquitoes to be an annoyance when they're enjoying outdoor activities; however, both can make people sick.
Here are some things you can do to protect yourself:
• Use EPA-approved repellent and apply according to label instructions;
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• Wear light colored long sleeved shorts and long pants, or use permethrin-treated clothing and gear;
• Take steps to control ticks on pets;
• Check for and safety remove ticks from family and pets with tweezers if available, but do not handle with bare hands;
• Visit your doctor if you develop a rash or fever within several weeks of removing a tick, and describe when and where you may have acquired the tick.
