CANTON – Warm weather has brought many people outside in St. Lawrence County, but public health officials are urging those enjoying sunny conditions to check for ticks. 

Lyme and other Tick-Borne Disease, transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, are endemic throughout St. Lawrence County and are a nationally recognized health Concern,

Individuals are at risk of contracting Lyme and other Tick-Borne Disease throughout

 the year. However, warm weather increases outdoor activities, and St. Lawrence County  residents and visitors work and recreate in our woods, fields, and open areas that may be inhabited or infested by ticks carried by wildlife, birds and domestic animals, increasing the  risk of infection during the spring and summer months. Lyme and other Tick-Borne Disease infected nearly 250 people of all ages in St. Lawrence

County in 2023, this is about the same as in 2022 but a 40% increase (148) from 2021. Lyme

 and other Tick-Borne Diseases, when not properly diagnosed or treated, may affect many body systems, making proper diagnosis more difficult, thereby making the need for public information regarding prevention, treatment, and control a priority.

 It is important you keep track of any symptoms you are experiencing.

Don’t Ignore Your Symptoms:

• Fever
• Chills
• Severe headache
• Malaise (general feeling of discomfort or illness)
• Myalgia (muscle aches and pain)
• Joint pain
• Stiff neck
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite)
• Rash
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Facial paralysis

If you've been experiencing any of the symptoms listed above for a prolonged period of time, you may have a tick-borne illness. Talk with your provider, especially if you've spent some time outside. Tick-borne diseases can be treated effectively if caught early, but when ignored can lead to long-term health problems.

Found a Tick on You?

You'll want to remove the tick if it is attached. To do this, use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. After removing the tick, clean the site and your hands with soap and water.

If you find a tick on you, talk with your doctor. You may be eligible for preventative treatment.

Prevention

• Know where to expect ticks. Ticks live in grassy, brushy, leafy, or wooded areas. Many

people get ticks in their own yard.

• Wear long pants, long sleeves, and tall socks to reduce exposed skin.
• Tip! Wearing light-colored clothing helps to spot ticks on you.
• Tick Check! Check for ticks after being outside. Areas to focus on include: under the

arms, in and around the ears,

• behind the knees, between the legs, around your ankles, and on the hairline.
• Use insect repellents,

■ DEET (the label may say N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide)

■ Picaridin (the label may say KBR 3023)

■ Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)

■ P-menthane 3,8-diol (man-made version of oil of lemon eucalyptus)

■ IR3535, in some cases these products also contain sunscreen and moisturizers.

Avoid combination products. Sunscreen and moisturizers should be applied

generously, whereas repellents should be applied sparingly.

■ Permethrin, use only on clothing, not on skin

■ The EPA has a webpage to help you find the right repellent for your needs:

https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you

• Check your pets for ticks when they come inside