Hunterdon County Commissioner shares information on protection against tick-borne diseases
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ – Hunterdon County Commissioner Shaun C. Van Doren, who also serves as the liaison to the Health Department, recently shared an update on the risk of tick-borne diseases and the precautions people can take to protect themselves in the spring, summer, and fall season when ticks are most active.
“As we enter the warmer months, the Hunterdon County Health Department is reminding residents to protect themselves against tick-borne diseases. Lyme Disease is the top reportable communicable disease in Hunterdon County, and ticks can spread other diseases as well,” Van Doren said.
Tick-borne diseases can be passed to humans by the bite of infected ticks. Ticks become infected with bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause lyme’s disease when feeding on small mammals like mice and voles.
“People who work or spend time outdoors and people who work with animals that live outside are at risk of exposure to tick-borne diseases. Areas with woods, bushes, high grass, or leaf litter are likely to have more ticks. Outdoor workers in Hunterdon County should be extra careful to protect themselves during times of the year when ticks are most active,” Van Doren said.
Take the following steps to protect yourself from tick bites:
- Wear a hat and light-colored clothing, including long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into boots or socks.
- Use insect repellents that provide protection for the amount of time you will be outdoors.
- Check your skin and clothes for ticks every day.
- If you develop symptoms of a tick-borne disease, seek medical attention promptly. Be sure to tell your health care provider that you work outdoors in an area where ticks may be present.
For more information on tick-borne diseases, please visit the website for the Hunterdon County
Health Department at: https://co.hunterdon.nj.us/162/Health-Department
