Lyme disease is on the rise in Coshocton County
The Coshocton Public Health District would like to make everyone aware of the sharp rise in Lyme disease cases in the county.
Lyme disease in humans is an illness caused by borrelia bacteria, that can come from the bite of an infected black legged tick – aka “Deer Tick.”
“We’ve had 17 reported cases in Coshocton County for the month of May 2024,” said Debra Eppley, health commissioner for Coshocton County. “That is a large increase (466%) compared to the previous years of May 2023 with three cases and May 2022 with four cases. Please be sure that you are following all guidelines to keep yourself and your family safe.”
When you participate in outdoor activities, dress appropriately by wearing: light colored clothing, long-sleeved shirts, long pants that can be tucked inside long socks, and closed toe shoes.
Look for ticks both during and after participating in outdoor activities: All joint areas – behind the knees, between fingers and toes, and under the arms. Make sure to check your belly button, neck, hairline, top of the head, and behind the ears.
Be sure to use protective repellent. Products that contain DEET like OFF repels ticks, but doesn’t kill them. Products that have at least 0.5% Permethin not only repel ticks, but it will also kill them. Permethrin should only be sprayed directly onto your clothing and gear and not your actual skin.
Several days or weeks after a bite from an infected tick, you may have flu-like symptoms such as the following: headache, stiff neck, aches/pains in muscles and joints, low-grade fever with chills, fatigue, poor appetite, and swollen glands. You may also develop a red rash called Erythema Migrans that often resembles a target or bull’s-eye appearance.
It’s important to know how to properly remove a tick should you ever encounter one. Use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick. After the removal, make sure to clean the bite area (and your hands) with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Never crush the tick with your fingers. Either flush the tick down the drain, or submerge it in hand sanitizer within a sealed bag that can be thrown in the trash.
If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to the health district or your family provider.
Category: People & Places
