(CBS-DETROIT) – Ticks in a southeastern Michigan county have tested positive for the bacteria that causes the disease Lyme disease.
Testing by the Lenawee County Vector Borne Disease Surveillance program found that Ixodes scapularis, also known as black-legged ticks, tested positive for Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
According to the county’s website, this is the first time ticks in Lenawee County have tested positive for carrying the pathogen.
Health officials say Lenawee County is considered an area at potential risk for Lyme disease due to its proximity. other provinces that have had positive cases.
Symptoms of Lyme disease
The early symptoms of Lyme disease infection include the following:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- muscle strain
- Joint pain or stiffness
- Chills
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
Preventing tick bites
To prevent the spread of the disease, provincial health officials recommend residents:
- Perform check marks after being outdoors, paying special attention to under the arms, around the ears, in the navel, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist and in the hair
- Use insect repellent with 20% or more DEET
- Wear long sleeves, shoes and socks when outdoors
- Stay away from wooded and busy areas with lots of grass and leaf litter
- Shower as soon as possible after outdoor activities
- Check pets and outdoor equipment regularly for ticks.
In addition, residents should be aware of the most common tick in Michigan. Although present year-round, ticks are most active during the warmer months. Ticks are also more active sooner in the year, after a mild winter.
