Protect yourself during tick season
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas has some of the highest levels of tick-related illnesses of any state in the nation and we are expecting another big year. In 2012, over 900 cases of tick-related illness were reported to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). Five of these cases resulted in death. Cases were found in 63 counties, with illnesses occurring every month of the year but peaking in June. Because many of these illnesses go unreported, the actual number of persons sick from tick-related illness is much higher.
According to Susan Weinstein, DVM, MPH, Zoonotic Disease Section Chief at ADH, “Tick-related illnesses are serious and can be deadly if not treated properly. It is very important that people realize the seriousness of the infections that some ticks can carry, and to see their doctor if ill. Thankfully, we can prevent many of these infections if we become aware of the risks and take some simple precautions.”