Protecting Yourself from Tick Bites in Areas with High Lyme Disease Rates

As infection rates for tick-borne diseases are on the rise in the DMV area, it is crucial to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from tick bites this summer. Ticks can be found in tall grass, loose leaves, bushes, and wooded areas, posing a threat to your health.

To prevent tick exposure, the Maryland Department of Health recommends using EPA-approved insect repellent, wearing long pants and sleeves, staying on marked paths while hiking, and conducting thorough tick checks on yourself, your children, and your pets after spending time outdoors. It is also advised to shower immediately after coming back from outdoor activities and to throw your clothes in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any ticks.

Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. have high infection rates for Lyme disease, which is commonly transmitted through tick bites. In 2022, over 2,000 cases of Lyme disease were reported in Maryland alone. Other tick-borne diseases such as babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tularemia can also be transmitted by ticks.

Symptoms of Lyme disease include a rash resembling a bull’s eye, fever, and headache. If left untreated, the disease can spread to the joints and nervous system. It is essential to be vigilant and take precautions to avoid tick bites, especially during the summer months when outdoor activities are more common. Stay informed and follow safety tips provided by health authorities to protect yourself and your loved ones from tick-borne diseases.