June 29, 2018 at 4:16 p.m.
#FighttheBite! Take action to prevent tick and mosquito bites
#FighttheBite! Take action to prevent tick and mosquito bites
"Both ticks and mosquitoes can transmit a number of illnesses," the health department notes. "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."
A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows Wisconsin is among the top 20 percent of states reporting cases of tick-borne disease in the country. Wisconsin reported 4,299 cases of Lyme disease in 2017, the highest number reported in the state to date.
In addition, there were 51 human cases of West Nile virus, an illness spread by mosquitoes, reported in 2017, the highest number in Wisconsin since 2012. Certain dead birds can be an indication of West Nile virus in an area. The health department urges anyone who finds a sick or dead bird to call the dead bird reporting hotline at 800-433-1610, or the health department. Many people consider ticks and mosquitoes to be an annoyance when they're enjoying outdoor activities, 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.
• Wear light colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
• Take steps to control ticks on pets.
• Check for and safely remove ticks from family and pets.
• Take steps to control mosquitoes outside your home.
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