University of Illinois Extension is encouraging residents to take precautions against ticks as activity levels remain unusually high this spring. According to reports from the Illinois Natural History Survey and the Illinois Department of Public Health, tick activity has increased across the state.
Officials recommend several steps to reduce the risk of tick bites while outdoors, including:
Using insect repellent
Wearing light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants
Wearing a hat and pulling long hair back
Avoiding deer trails and tall grassy areas
Checking clothing and pets after returning home
If a tick is found attached to the skin, health officials advise removing it as soon as possible using tweezers. The tick should be grasped close to the skin and pulled out steadily. The bite area should then be cleaned with disinfectant. Residents are also encouraged to take a picture of the tick before disposing of it by flushing it or freezing it in a plastic bag for future identification if needed.
Officials say anyone experiencing symptoms such as a rash, fever or flu-like illness after a tick bite should contact a healthcare provider.
Report tick bites at https://bitemap.illinois.edu.