Sangamon Sun

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, an opportunity to shed light on the tickborne disease that impacts millions of Americans. Comprehensive information on how to identify, prevent, and treat Lyme Disease can be found at https://www.illymeassociation.org/.

Prevention of tickborne illnesses involves several steps. Firstly, when outdoors, it is advisable to walk in the center of trails and avoid wooded or bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. Wearing light-colored clothing can make ticks easier to spot. Long pants should be tucked into socks and boots for additional protection.

The use of an EPA-registered insect repellent containing 20% DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus is recommended according to label directions. Regular full-body tick checks on family members every two to three hours are crucial. The underarms, ears, belly button, behind knees, between legs, waist, hair and scalp should be inspected thoroughly. Gear or pets taken on outings should also be checked.

After outdoor activities, clothes should be put in the dryer on high for 10 minutes (or one hour for damp clothes) to kill any ticks. Bathing or showering within two hours after coming indoors is also advised.

If a black-legged tick that may have been attached for more than three days is found on the body, medical attention should be sought immediately to determine if an antibiotic is needed to prevent Lyme disease.

For further information visit: dph.illinois.gov/resource-center/news/2024/may/as-lyme-disease-awareness-month