Staying Healthy this Spring: Avoiding Ticks

The changing weather is a clear indication that spring is finally coming! The "To Do Lists" from last fall have become longer and outside chores and activities are vying for your attention. Whether you're outside hiking, doing yard work, or preparing for your first camping trip, a few simple precautions can help you stay safe as summer approaches. This short article discusses common tick-borne illnesses in Montana and how to reduce your risk.

With above average moisture and warmer weather, ticks will be plentiful this spring, increasing the risks of tick-borne illnesses. Tick-related illnesses commonly reported in Montana include Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, averaging eight cases reported annually, tularemia, five cases reported on average, and Colorado Tick Fever (CTF), with about four cases annually. At this time, Montana-acquired Lyme disease is unlikely, the specific tick associated with this illness has not been found in the state. However, about a dozen cases of travel-related Lyme are reported to the state health department annually.

Fortunately, most ticks do not carry diseases and most tick bites do not cause serious health problems, but it is important to remove a tick as soon as you find it. Checking yourself and family members after being outdoors, especially in grassy areas, is important to prevent attachment and any risk of illness. Usually, removing the tick, washing the site of the bite and watching for signs of illness are all that is needed. If removing a tick, ensure that the entire tick, including its head, is completely removed. Dispose of a live tick by flushing it down the toilet or by discarding it in the trash after placing it in a sealed bag/container and wrapping it tightly in tape. Testing ticks for pathogens is not currently supported or recommended. If you have any signs of illness after removing a tick, such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and muscle aches, consult your medical provider.

To avoid ticks, stick to trails when possible and out of tall grasses. Using repellant or wearing insect-repellent treated clothing, long pants and long-sleeved shirts can reduce your chances of picking up a tick. More information on reducing tick populations and protecting yourself and your pets can be found on the state health website at: https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/cdepi/diseases/ticks.

Next week we'll share information regarding rabies prevention.