Lyme disease infections are close to 300,000 in the United States annually. Only around 30,000 of these infections are reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by state health departments.
Lyme disease is a common tick-borne illness that predominantly affects those living in New England, the upper Midwest, and mid-Atlantic states. Although cases of Lyme disease have been reported in almost every state, they are concentrated in these three regions.
Tick bite prevention is one of the most effective ways of preventing Lyme disease. Blacklegged ticks tend to live in humid, wooded, grassy areas with tall vegetation. When spending time outdoors in such areas, it is important to habitually check for and protect against tick bites.
Using insect repellants with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) or permethrin can provide adequate protection against ticks. Performing regular tick checks after spending time outdoors can also reduce the risk of contracting Lyme disease. Clothing and pets should be examined carefully in order to effectively identify and remove any ticks.
Attached ticks should be promptly extracted with tweezers. After removing ticks, it is important to remain alert for signs of Lyme disease, like a high fever or an indicative rash.
As summer approaches, it becomes more important to remain vigilant in preventing tick bites after participating in outdoor activities like hiking or gardening. Wearing proper clothing and using insect repellant can provide protection against ticks. Tick bite prevention is one of the most effective ways of warding off the risk of Lyme disease and staying healthy during the warmer months.
To identify ticks for diseases they may carry, visit this reference sheet provided by the CDC.
