(NBC 26) - They're tiny little insects that can carry a big problem. Last year in Wisconsin, we saw more than 3,100 cases of Lyme disease given to people from the bite of a tick.
“We often think about the rash, about fatigue, but if left untreated can lead to joint pain, joint swelling; it can also lead to heart conditions as well,” said Dr. Amy Romandine Kratz, a Prevea Health family medicine physician.
The good news is its all treatable, and if you can get rid of the tick quickly, you could possibly avoid any repercussions all together.
“It actually takes up to 24 hours, and some resources say up to 36 hours, for the tick to actually transmit the bacteria,” Dr. Romandine Kratz added. “So if you get the tick off right away it's actually a pretty low likelihood [of getting a tickborne illness]."
And with many people itching to get outside, the Wisconsin DNR has some tips if you're heading to a state park, or anywhere outside.
“We advise folks to stay near the middle of the trail so they’re not brushing up against any vegetation,” said Brigit Brown, the DNR recreation management section chief.
The DNR is also posting new signage this year at every park and trail across the state to raise tick awareness. Adding, they have heard of an "uptick" of deer ticks, the ones that carry Lyme disease, in southeastern Wisconsin.
And with symptoms similar to coronavirus doctors say: “If you've got fever, if you've got body aches, chills, those are such vague symptoms of illness, go ahead and call your doctor,” Dr. Romandine Kratz said.
You can learn more about tick prevention and what to do from the CDC; or Prevea, along with HSHS St. Vincent and St. Mary’s, offered some advice on how to safely go about removing a tick.
(PRESS RELEASE):
How to Reduce Your Risk of Getting a Tick Bite
· Dress appropriately: wear light-colored clothing, long pants and sleeves; tuck in shirts, tuck pants into socks and wear closed-toed shoes.
· Use insect repellents on skin that contain at least 20 percent DEET (Do not use insect repellent on children younger than 2 months old, or on a child’s hands, eyes or mouth).
· Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear, or treat your gear and clothing with permethrin before departure.
· Stay out of tall grass, brush or heavily wooded areas.
How to Properly Remove a Tick
· Use tweezers to grasp the tick (as close to the skin as possible).
· Pull backwards gently but firmly, using an even pressure, do not twist or jerk.
· Do not squeeze, crush, or puncture the body of the tick. This can cause the tick to inject body fluids and increase the risk for infection.
· After removing the tick, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
· Note: If any part of the mouth of the tick remains in the skin, it’s recommended to leave it alone as it will come out on its own. Attempting to remove these parts may result in skin trauma and increase your risk of infection not associated with Lyme disease.
You may have heard about common remedies for removing ticks such as smoldering with a match; however, this is not recommended as it may burn the skin and increase risk of infections. Using nail polish, petroleum jelly, liquid soap or kerosene is also not recommended. Although these products may help to remove the tick, they can cause the tick to inject body fluids into the wound, which may increase the risk of Lyme disease.
