Purdue News
Purdue News
|
|
July 21, 2000 Purdue expert advises taking precautions against ticksWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A Purdue University expert says protect yourself but don't panic because the number of ticks found in Indiana is on the rise, thanks in part to an increase in the state's deer population. "There's no explosion in tick problems," says Ralph Williams, professor of entomology. "The report of two deaths in the state from Rocky Mountain spotted fever may only be a coincidence." Williams says incidents of the disease occur annually, but may not be diagnosed as such because they are not frequently seen. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is most commonly spread by the American dog tick, which is also the most commonly found tick in Indiana. "The disease is not found in all ticks, and just having a tick attach itself to you doesn't mean you'll get the disease," Williams says. Initial symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever may start from three to 10 days after a tick bite. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache and muscle aches. It can be treated and cured with antibiotics if detected early. Persons who spend a lot of time in the woods, or in areas where grass and weeds grow high, should take precautions to protect themselves from ticks. "Wear long sleeves and pants and tuck your pants into your socks," Williams says. "And wear light-colored clothing so that the ticks can be more easily seen." Williams also suggests the use of tick repellents. The most effective are those containing diethyl toluamide (deet) or permethrin. He says read and follow label instructions. Williams says once a tick is on your body, it takes a while for it to attach. "The tick actually glues its mouth parts into your skin with a salivary secretion," he says. Showering after coming inside may help remove ticks, but occasional checks for ticks are recommended, particularly checking the head and under the arms. The best way to remove a tick is to use tweezers or forceps. "Don't handle a tick with bare hands," Williams advises. "If the tick does carry a disease, the infectious agents may also enter through cuts or scratches on your fingers." The tick should be grabbed where it's attached to the skin and gently pulled out. The bite area should be cleaned and disinfected once the tick is removed. Medical attention should be sought if a rash or flu-like symptoms occur within the next few days. Besides the American dog tick, deer ticks and the Lone Star tick also are found in Indiana. "The deer tick is located mostly in northwest Indiana, but its habitat is spreading thanks to the growing numbers of deer in the state," Williams says. Deer ticks are associated with Lyme disease, which is signaled by discolored skin around the bite and arthritic symptoms. The Lone Star tick is commonly found in moist, wooded areas and also in areas with established deer populations, especially in southern Indiana. It is not considered an important transmitter of either Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Williams says the best way to control ticks around your home is to keep grassy areas from becoming overgrown. Insecticides also can be applied along roads, walks and trails. Children and pets should be kept away from treated areas. For more information on ticks and their control, consult the Purdue Extension publication "Ticks – Biology and Control," which can be found on the Web. The publication (E-71) also may be purchased for 50 cents by calling 888-EXT-INFO and asking for the media distribution center. Source: Ralph Williams, (765) 494- 4560 Writer: Beth Forbes, (765) 494-2722; bforbes@aes.purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
|
