Blog
Safety Focus of the Week: Deer Ticks & Lyme Disease – Revisited
It is surprising how ticks have become so common in Vermont over the last several years. We’re even seeing them in some of the coldest regions of the state. This year, they seem to be even more common than ever – probably due to the wet spring we’ve had.
The main concern is the black-legged tick (also known as the Deer Tick).
One of my favorite references for all types of biological hazards is the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website. Check out their feature on ticks at:
http://www.cdc.gov/Features/StopTicks/
If a tick attaches to you, follow the procedure on the CDC website. They recommend using tweezers: grab the tick as close to your skin as possible, pull upward with a steady pressure (no jerking or twisting), if the head breaks off attempt to remove it, clean the bite area with soap/water/alcohol. Lyme Disease infection typically takes at least 24 hours to be transmitted from a tick. Follow up with a doctor if a rash or fever occurs within the following several weeks.
