OHIO — With summer officially underway after the summer solstice, many Ohioans will spend time outdoors in forests, rivers or on beaches alongside some creepy crawlies.
The Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff is encouraging residents to take precautions to prevent tick and mosquito bites and the diseases they may carry.
Most diseases caused by the bite of infected ticks occur between spring and fall when ticks are most active. Lyme disease is the most common one spread, which has increased over the years. There were 552 cases reported last year and 121 have been reported so far this year in Ohio, according to ODH.
Of the 121 cases, 42 were women and 79 were men with a median age of 15-years-old from 37 counties.
Mosquitos, also active in the warmer months, can potentially carry diseases. There were seven West Nile virus cases in Ohio reported last year, including one death. There were also 13 La Crosse virus cases in Ohio.
While most people infected with these viruses do not have symptoms, or only mild ones such as fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, it’s possible they can cause severe disease.
“Of course, we want Ohioans to enjoy the outdoors in the summer months as part of an active, healthy lifestyle, but you should be thinking about protection against ticks and mosquitoes,” said Vanderhoff. “Taking simple precautions can prevent potentially serious diseases.”
ODH tracks the disease activity surrounding both the insects and humans, and recommends residents check their areas to take precautions. So far this year, three counties — Medina, Franklin and Ross — have tested mosquitos that have tests positive for West Nile virus.
To avoid mosquito bites, ODH recommends using EPA-registered repellents and wearing light-colored clothing when outdoors, including long sleeves, long pants and socks.
Mosquitos peak hours are from dusk to dawn, but spraying clothes may help create an extra layer of protection. Additionally, reducing the number of mosquitos around homes can be helped by emptying standing water from flower pots, gutters, buckets, pet dishes, pool covers and bird baths.
To be protected from ticks, ODH said avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter, and to use the center of trails while outside.
By tucking pant legs into socks or boots and tucking shirts in, it is possible to keep ticks on the outside of clothing. By wearing light-colored clothing ticks are easier to spot.
To remove a tick, the best way is to use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin’s surface as possible, then pull away from your skin with even pressure. Wash both the bite area and hands with soap and water.
