Brown County Public Health is reminding residents that tick and mosquito season is upon us and people should take precautions to prevent being bitten and potentially exposed to Lyme disease or other illnesses.
Both ticks and mosquitoes can transmit various illnesses. Lyme disease, which is spread by ticks, and West Nile virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, account for most of the disease spread by ticks and mosquitoes in Wisconsin.
A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows Wisconsin among the top 20% of the states reporting cases of tick-borne disease in the United States. Wisconsin reported 3,105 human cases of Lyme disease in 2018. The number of reported Lyme disease cases in Wisconsin in the past 10 years has doubled.
In addition, there were 33 human cases of West Nile virus reported in Wisconsin in 2018. Certain dead birds can be an indication of West Nile virus in an area. Anyone who finds a sick or dead blue jay, raven, or crow is encouraged to call the dead bird reporting hotline 1-800-433-1610.
Many people consider ticks and mosquitoes to be an annoyance when they’re enjoying outdoor activities; however, both can make people sick. Yet, if people take simple precautions, they can enjoy the outdoors while avoiding serious illness.
Here are some things you can do to protect yourself from illnesses spread by mosquitoes and ticks:
- Use EPA-approved repellent and apply according to label instructions.
- Wear light colored long-sleeve shirts and long pants.
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
- Take steps to control ticks on pets.
- Check for and safely remove ticks from family and pets.
- Take steps to control mosquitoes outside your home.
Brown County Public Health encourages residents to prepare their own “Fight the Bite” kit. It is easy to do and most people already own most of the supplies: small plastic bag, band-aide, alcohol pad, approved insect repellent and a tweezers. Then store them all together in a pouch or container.
Brown County Public Health has a limited supply of “Fight the Bite” kits available at no cost which can be obtained throughout Brown County at both Public Health locations, 111 N. Jefferson St. & 2198 Glendale Ave., Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve/Brown County Parks Main Office and Bay Shore Park
