Warmer Weather Brings Increased Risk Of Tick-Borne Disease

“All Hoosiers should take precautions against tick bites when enjoying the outdoors, no matter where they are.”

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Hoosiers are reminded to protect themselves from tick bites as warmer weather increases tick activity. 

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) reports that cases of tick-borne disease continue to increase each year, with more than 300 cases in 2019.  

“We know that many Hoosiers are engaging in outdoor activities such as walking, running and hiking while the stay-at-home order is in place,” said State Public Health Veterinarian Jennifer Brown, D.V.M., M.P.H. “All Hoosiers should take precautions against tick bites when enjoying the outdoors, no matter where they are.”

The black-legged tick, carrier of Lyme disease, has been found in all but five Indiana counties.

Ticks transmit several diseases in addition to Lyme disease, such as ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.  Preventing tick bites can protect Hoosiers from all tick-borne illnesses, Brown said.

Hoosiers should reduce their risk of tick bites by:

• Wearing a long-sleeved shirt and light-colored pants, with the shirt tucked in at the waist and the pants tucked into socks, if they will be in grassy or wooded areas
• Treating clothing and outdoor gear with 0.5% permethrin, which is an insect repellent specifically designed for this purpose (permethrin should NOT be used on bare skin)
• Using EPA-registered insect repellents with active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD) or 2-undecanone
• Treating their pets for ticks

Thoroughly check for ticks on clothing, skin, and pets once indoors. 

Putting clothes in the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes will kill ticks. Showering can help remove any unattached ticks.

“Tick checks are an essential part of preventing tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease. Quickly finding and removing a tick can help prevent you from becoming sick,” Brown said.

ISDH recommends removing ticks using tweezers and discarded by submerging it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag or container, wrapping it tightly in tape or flushing it down the toilet.

After the tick is removed, the area should be washed thoroughly. Ticks should never be crushed with the fingernails.

If you become ill after finding an attached tick, see a medical provider immediately. 

Tick-borne diseases can be treated with antibiotics, and prompt diagnosis can help prevent complications.

For more information, visit ISDH website at http://www.in.gov/isdh/20491.htm.

You also can visit ISDH at www.Statehealth.in.gov for important health and safety information.