Lyme disease has now become one of the fastest growing epidemics to date. Why the alarming increase? Revised numbers from the CDC reflect that they have been under reporting Lyme disease. Instead of the 30,000 cases a year previously reported, the CDC has now issued a statement that the numbers are more in the range of 300,000 cases a year. 96% of these cases were reported from 13 states.
According to the CDC, Lyme disease is now the most commonly reported vector-borne illness in the United States, and that the new estimate suggests that the total number of people diagnosed with Lyme disease is roughly 10 times higher than the yearly reported number.
Photo courtesy of Jason Baird
Here are some helpful tick bite-prevention strategies to keep you, your family and pet protected:
Remove Ticks Safely
To safely remove attached ticks, first disinfect the area with an alcohol swab. Next, using a pointy tweezer, grab the tick “head” as close to the skin as possible and simply pull straight out. Remember to disinfect the bite site again after pulling the tick out.
Encourage Daily Tick Checks
The best time to do a full body tick check is right after ending outdoor activity. A more convenient time would be as you prepare to shower or bathe before going to bed. Prompt removal of most species of ticks can prevent transmission of tick-borne pathogens. It takes more than 24-36 hrs of attachment for nymphal deer ticks to transmit Lyme disease bacteria, and even longer to transmit Babesia parasites.
Wear Insect Shield® Repellent Clothing
Insect Shield’s EPA-registered technology converts clothing and gear into effective and convenient insect protection. The repellency is long-lasting and appropriate for use by the entire family with no restrictions for use. Insect Shield clothing repels mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers and midges (no-see-ums). The repellency is built-in and lasts through 70 launderings.
Identify and Avoid Tick Habitats
Shady, wooded and weedy edges are favorite spots for ticks to hang out. Avoiding tick habitats can be difficult but there are plenty of ways – such as always walking in the middle of maintained trails — to limit tick encounters.
For more tick tips, connections to tick experts, or information about Insect Shield tick repellent clothing, please contact:
Janine Robertson
janinerobertson@insectshield.
Cell: 206-354-9093
www.insectshield.com
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
