LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Summer means more time outdoors, but it also means a greater chance of tick bites. An infectious disease specialist with Norton Children's is reminding families to take precautions after spending time outside.
Dr. Chris Bryant said tick bites are common, with an estimated 31 million people bitten by ticks in the United States each year.
In Kentucky and southern Indiana, the most common tick-borne illnesses include ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle aches and chills. Rocky Mountain spotted fever often causes a rash that begins on the wrists and ankles and can spread to the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Bryant also said doctors are beginning to see more cases of Lyme disease in the region. Lyme disease can cause fever and a distinctive bull's-eye rash that grows over time. If left untreated, it can lead to complications including arthritis, facial paralysis and abnormal heart rhythms.
Parents are encouraged to perform thorough tick checks after children come inside from playing outdoors. Bryant recommends checking the entire body, especially under the arms and beneath clothing, since ticks can attach almost anywhere.
While avoiding tall grass and wooded areas can help reduce exposure, Bryant said ticks can also be found in backyards, playgrounds and other outdoor spaces where families spend time during the summer.
If you find a tick, Bryant said to remove it as soon as possible. Using fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight back with steady pressure. Avoid twisting the tick or crushing it with your fingers, as prompt removal can help reduce the risk of developing a tick-borne illness.
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