LISLE, IL – As temperatures rise in Illinois, residents are being warned about the dangers of ticks and the spread of Lyme disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Lyme disease cases have increased by more than 300 percent since the 1990s.
Last week, Moderna announced the development of a vaccine for Lyme disease, but doctors are urging people to take preventative measures such as checking for ticks after spending time outside. Ticks are commonly found in grassy and wooded areas, and are known to latch onto animals and humans alike.
Symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic “bullseye” rash. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the heart, joints, and nervous system.
Experts advise wearing long pants and sleeves when venturing into wooded areas, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks frequently. If a tick is found, it should be removed with tweezers and the area cleaned thoroughly.
With tick season in full swing, it is important to take precautions to prevent the spread of Lyme disease. Stay vigilant and stay safe this summer.
