By Jennifer Dunlay

Late spring brings long sunny days, warm temperatures and ticks. These tiny bugs live in grassy, brushy and wooded areas in yards, gardens, parks and walking trails where many of us can be found this time of year. This makes it easy for ticks to hitch a ride on people or pets increasing your chances of developing a tickborne illness.

In Johnson County, the lone star tick and the American dog tick cause most of the tickborne disease – ehrlichiosis and spotted fever rickettsiosis (Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or RMSF) – in our area. Over the last five years, Johnson County typically sees 10 cases of ehrlichiosis and 16 cases of RMSF.

Symptoms of a tickborne disease include, fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and a rash. Symptoms of ehrlichiosis typically begin 1-2 weeks after being bit by an infected tick. Symptoms of RMSF can start as early as three days after the bite of an infected tick and progress rapidly. The disease can be fatal within days if not treated.

If you notice a bug bite and start to have symptoms of a tickborne disease, see your health care provider immediately for evaluation. Tell your health care provider you have recently been bitten by a tick or have spent time in areas where ticks may be found.

Ehrlichiosis and RMSF are both treated with antibiotics. The longer treatment is delayed, the higher the risk for severe illness or even death. Others who are at risk for severe illness include: adults over age 65, children under age 10 and those with a weakened immune system.

Preventing tick bites is much like preventing mosquito bites: use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol or 2-undecanone.

Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin and wear long pants and sleeves if you will be spending time outdoors where ticks live.

Always walk on the center of trails and avoid wooded or brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. Treat dogs and cats for ticks as recommended by a veterinarian.

After you come indoors, check your clothes and body for ticks, examine gear and pets and take a shower to wash off unattached ticks and reduce your risk of disease.

Jennifer Dunlay is risk communicator for the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment.