Lincoln County Health Department issues tick bite warning as season ramps up

With outdoor activity picking up across the region, the Lincoln County Health Department is urging residents to take steps to protect themselves from tick-borne illnesses. Ticks in Wisconsin are typically most active from May through November and can be encountered while hiking, gardening, camping, or simply spending time in the backyard.
“Statewide tick bite-associated emergency department visits are on the rise,” said Lexi Buntrock, Public Health Promotion and Education Specialist. “The good news is that simple prevention measures and routine tick checks can significantly reduce the risk of tick-borne illnesses and help protect you and your family.”
The health department recommends using EPA-registered tick repellent, wearing long sleeves, pants, and tall socks tucked in to create a barrier, and tumble drying clothes on high heat for 10 minutes after coming inside. Pet owners should also consult a veterinarian about tick prevention for their animals.
Because deer ticks can be as small as a poppy seed, thorough tick checks are important after any time outdoors. The health department advises paying close attention to the scalp, ears, armpits, behind the knees, belly button, and between the legs. Showering within two hours of coming inside is also recommended. Pets should be checked, as well, since they can carry ticks indoors.
If a tick is found, it should be removed promptly using tweezers, gripping as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight up without twisting. The bite area and hands should then be cleaned with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. The health department cautions against folk remedies such as Vaseline, nail polish remover, or matches, which can cause the tick to release bacteria into the wound and increase infection risk.

Symptoms of tick-borne illness — including fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches, and rash — can appear anywhere from three days to six weeks after a bite. Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact a healthcare provider promptly.
Residents can also contribute to local research on tick exposure. The Marshfield Clinic Research Institute is collecting ticks to better understand community exposure patterns. Free collection kits with prepaid return postage are available during business hours at the Lincoln County Health Department, 607 N. Sales St., Suite 101, Merrill. For details, contact the institute at 715.389.7796 or tics@marshfieldclinic.org.
More information on tick-borne diseases is available through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services at dhs.wisconsin.gov/tick/index.htm, or through the Lincoln County Health Department at lincolncountyhealthdepartment.com.