Tick Awareness

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christina Fleming
  • Base Public Health Office
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Now that summer is here, everyone can embrace the warm weather by participating in outdoor activities. 

However, while you are playing outside, hiking, or camping, don't forget that ticks may be around. When you're outside this summer, prevent yourself from tick exposure. 

Following these useful tips can prevent you from being exposed to any tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, Tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tick-borne encephalitis: 

·  Avoid trees, tall grass, shrubs, and wooded, brushy areas where ticks are most commonly found. 

·  Use insect repellents containing DEET on exposed skin. 

·  When using sunscreen, apply the sunscreen first and then the insect repellent. Be sure to wash off the repellent at the end of the day before going to sleep. 

·  Wear long-sleeved shirts tucked in, long pants, and hats to cover exposed skin. Wear boots, not sandals; and tuck pants into socks when visiting tick infested areas. 

· Inspect your body and clothing for ticks during outdoor activity and at the end of the day. When inspecting your body, pay close attention to areas with hair, and any dark areas such as armpits. Wear light-colored or white clothing so ticks can be easily seen. 

· Apply permethrin-containing or other insect repellents to clothing, shoes, tents, mosquito nets and other gear for greater protection. Be sure to follow the directions carefully. 

· Make sure to check your cats and dogs every time they come indoors. For more information on animals and health, see the CDC Healthy Pets, Healthy People Web site at www.cdc.gov.

If you find a tick on your body, first call your doctor. He or she may want to save the tick for identification. 

To remove a tick, please follow these steps: First, use a pair of tweezers to grasp the tick firmly at the head or mouth next to your skin. Then pull firmly and steadily until the tick lets go of the skin. Make sure to swab the bite site with alcohol once the tick has been removed. You can then release the tick into a jar of alcohol to kill it and preserve it for identification later. 

One note of caution: do not use petroleum jelly or a match to kill or remove a tick. 

If you would like further information on how to protect yourself against ticks, or have any questions or concerns please contact the Public Health office at 723-5204. 

Information provided by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.