Health department issues 'tick season' reminders

As the weather warms and more residents and visitors enjoy the outdoors, the Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) is reminding the public that ticks are already active across Wisconsin and present a serious health risk in our region. Health officials nationwide are reporting higher-than-usual tick activity early in the season, making prevention especially important this year.
Ticks are endemic to Northern Wisconsin, including Oneida County, and can transmit serious illnesses such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and more. Tick-borne illnesses can lead to symptoms like fever, rash, joint pain, headache, and fatigue. If left untreated, some illnesses can cause long-term complications.
Young ticks, known as nymphs, become especially active in late spring and early summer and can be as small as a poppy seed, making them difficult to spot.
“We want residents and visitors to enjoy the beautiful Northwoods safely,” said Linda Conlon, Health Officer/Director at OCHD. “Ticks are active anytime temperatures are above freezing, and this year we are already seeing increased tick activity early in the season. Taking steps to prevent tick bites helps protect yourself, your family, and pets while enjoying the outdoors.”
Prevention Tips from Oneida County Health Department

To reduce your risk of tick bites:
Wear light-colored, protective clothing and tuck pants into socks.
Use EPA-registered repellents such as DEET, picaridin, or permethrin-treated gear.
Stay on cleared trails and avoid tall grass and brush when possible.
Check your entire body and pets thoroughly after being outdoors.
Shower within two hours after outdoor activities.
Place clothing in a dryer on high heat for 10–15 minutes after being outdoors to help kill ticks.
Remove ticks with fine-tipped tweezers, pulling straight out. Avoid squeezing, twisting, or
burning the tick.
Early detection and treatment of tick-borne illnesses is important. If you experience symptoms such as fatigue, fever, rash, headache, or joint pain after spending time outdoors or after a known tick bite, contact your healthcare provider. If you’re diagnosed with a tick-borne illness, your provider will prescribe antibiotics which should be taken exactly as directed.