For the Tomahawk Leader
WISCONSIN – As many Wisconsin residents continue to take advantage of the warmer weather and enjoy all the resources the state has to offer, the Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) strongly encourages everyone to take care to avoid tick and mosquito bites.
Both ticks and mosquitoes can transmit a number of illnesses. Lyme disease, which is spread by ticks, and West Nile Virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, account for most of the disease spread by ticks and mosquitoes in Wisconsin. There are also other less-common tick-borne illnesses including powassan, anaplasmosis/erlichiosis, and babesiosis.
“Many people consider ticks and mosquitoes to be an annoyance when they’re enjoying outdoor activities, OCHD stated. “However, both can make people sick. But, if people take simple precautions, they can enjoy the outdoors while avoiding serious illness.”
Here are some things you can do to protect yourself from illnesses spread by mosquitoes and ticks:
- Use EPA-approved repellent and apply according to label instructions (www.bit.ly/2tIJyLl).
- Wear light colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
- Take steps to control ticks on pets (www.bit.ly/2nSlO3S).
- Check for and safely remove ticks from family and pets.
- Take steps to control mosquitoes outside your home (www.bit.ly/2aexzI4 and www.bit.ly/2DbY6E3).
For more information on diseases spread by ticks and mosquitoes, visit www.bit.ly/3wdKXXu.