(WWJ) It's the time of year for ticks in Michigan, as officials warn residents that tick-borne diseases — particularly Lyme disease and anaplasmosis — are increasing across the state.
As summer sets in, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is urging everything to check out a handy guide which includes up-to-date information on the types of ticks that are common in Michigan and the diseases they can carry. SEE IT HERE.
MDHHS says the most common tick-borne disease in Michigan is Lyme disease, which is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Anaplasmosis, caused by the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum, is the second most common tick-borne disease in Michigan, and cases are increasing – particularly in the Upper Peninsula.
Both Lyme disease and anaplasmosis are transmitted by Ixodes scapularis, commonly known as the blacklegged or deer tick, according to MDHHS. The blacklegged tick is well-established in parts of the UP as well as the Lower Peninsula, and has been found in new regions over the past few years. (Information about Lyme disease risk by county is available at Michigan.gov/lyme.)
How do you avoid these diseases? Quite simply, experts say: Just avoid being bit.
“Preventing tick bites is the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease and anaplasmosis,” said Dr. Mary Grace Stobierski, MDHHS Emerging & Zoonotic Infectious Diseases manager. “If you find a tick attached to your body, promptly remove it. Monitor your health and if you experience fever, rash, muscle or joint aches or other symptoms, consult with your medical provider.”
Signs and symptoms of tick-borne disease typically begin one to two weeks after a tick bite or being in wooded or brushy areas where ticks commonly live. Early symptoms can include fever or chills, rash, headache, fatigue and muscle aches, and early treatment with antibiotics can decrease the risk of serious complications.
MDHHS shared the following tips to protect yourself and your family:
Avoid tick-infested areas:
• As ticks live in grassy, brushy, and wooded areas, walk in the center of trails to avoid contact with overgrown grass, brush and leaf litter at trail edges.
• Protect your pets – dogs and cats can come into contact with ticks outdoors and bring them into the home. Talk with your veterinarian about the best tick prevention products for your pet.Use insect repellent:
• Apply repellent containing DEET or Picaridin on exposed skin.
• Treat clothes (especially pants, socks and shoes) with permethrin, which kills ticks on contact or buy clothes that are pre-treated. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying repellents.
Perform daily tick checks:
• Always check for ticks on yourself and your animals after being outdoors, even in your own yard.
• Inspect all body surfaces carefully and remove attached ticks with tweezers.
• To remove a tick, grasp the tick firmly and as closely to the skin as possible. With a steady motion, pull the tick’s body away from the skin. Cleanse the area with an antiseptic.
Bathe or shower:
• Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks that are crawling on you.
• Wash clothing in hot water and dry on high heat to help kill ticks in clothing.
Curious which type of tick you've got? Not all ticks spread the same germs, and MDHHS can help to identify ticks you encounter.
Residents can email photos of ticks to MDHHS-Bugs@michigan.gov for identification, and also submit ticks to MDHHS for identification free of charge. For more information on how to submit your tick and/or photos, visit Michigan.gov/lyme.