Chenango County Health Department shares tips for preventing tick bites

CHENANGO COUNTY, N.Y. (WBNG)-- As spring weather approaches, you may feel inclined to go for a walk or hike, but with warmer weather comes an increased risk of contracting tick-borne illnesses.

Officials from the Chenango County Health Department want community members to be prepared this tick season.

Just because you were bitten by a tick doesn’t mean you’ll get sick.

Heather Miller, Director of Patient Services with the Chenango County Health Department, says that not all ticks carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, or other diseases.

If you find a tick on your body, simply remove it and monitor yourself for symptoms for a few weeks.

“If you do happen to find a tick on you, the best thing to do is remove it as soon as possible, and we recommend using fine-tip tweezers. But get as close to the skin as possible and just pull up with one swift motion,” said Miller.

Different kinds of ticks have the potential to carry different kinds of diseases, but it’s important to treat all ticks the same, removing them as quickly as possible, then disposing of them properly, either by submerging the tick in alcohol, sealing it in a ziploc bag or flushing it down the toilet.

To prevent tick bites, Miller recommends the following

• Stay in the sun or on a hiking trail.
• Avoid brushing against grassy or bushy areas.
• Avoid sitting on the ground directly.
• Wear long-sleeved clothing and light colors, which make ticks easier to spot.
• Tuck pant legs into shoes to avoid exposure.

The Chenango County Health Department has a limited number of tick removal kits available for residents.

Learn more about tick disease and prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.