Update for County Residents
Recent testing from the Lenawee County Vector Borne Disease Surveillance (VBDS) program has revealed the presence of Ixodes scapularis (blacklegged ticks) that have tested positive for Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme Disease. This is the first time our county has identified ticks carrying this pathogen. Using an insect repellent and performing tick checks regularly on yourself and your pets is still the best method to protect yourself and your family from tick bites.
Important Information and Preventive Measures
Why this matters: Since 2019, Lenawee County has been considered a potential risk area for Lyme Disease due to our proximity to counties with confirmed cases. Our latest findings confirm that blacklegged ticks are present in our community and some carry the Lyme Disease pathogen.
Protect Yourself from Tick and Mosquito Bites
The Lenawee County Health Department urges residents to take the following precautions to prevent disease transmission:
Tick Bite Prevention Tips:
- Perform Tick Checks: After being outdoors, conduct a full-body check using a mirror. Pay special attention to areas like under the arms, around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and in the hair.
- Use Insect Repellent: Choose repellents with 20% or more DEET, and follow the instructions on the label.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear long sleeves, shoes, and socks when outdoors.
- Avoid High-Risk Areas: Steer clear of wooded and bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. Stick to the center of trails.
- Shower After Being Outside: Bathe or shower as soon as possible after outdoor activities.
- Check Pets and Gear: Examine pets and gear for ticks regularly. Consult your veterinarian about tick prevention for pets.
Mosquito Bite Prevention Tips:
- Use Insect Repellent: Follow label instructions to find a suitable repellent. Use the EPA's insect repellent search tool if needed.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Long sleeves, shoes, and socks help prevent bites.
- Repair Screens: Ensure windows and doors have intact screens to keep mosquitoes out.
- Eliminate Standing Water: Empty containers that can hold water weekly to reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home.
Tick Identification and Response
If you find a tick on your body:
- Remove the Tick: Use tweezers to grip the tick close to the skin and pull straight out without twisting. Clean the bite area and your hands afterward.
- Dispose of the Tick: Flush the tick down the toilet. There is no need to keep it for testing.
- Monitor for Symptoms: Lyme disease risk is low if a tick is attached for fewer than 24 hours. Watch for symptoms like rash, fatigue, fever, headache, muscle pain, or joint swelling within 30 days of a bite and seek medical attention if symptoms appear.
For tick identification, Michigan residents can submit photos to MDHHS at MDHHS-Bugs@michigan.gov . Visit www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases for more information.
