Health officials issue warning about ticks

 The Flathead City-County Health Department has issued a warning for people to take precautions to avoid tick bites.

Ticks become most active in spring and the early summer. South-facing slopes where snow melts first and wildlife winter ranges have the highest concentration of ticks.

Montana’s primary tick, the Rocky Mountain hard-bodied wood tick, carries Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. A soft-bodied tick associated with relapsing fever recently has been found in Montana. Black-legged ticks that cause Lyme Disease are not known to occur in Montana.

Potential symptoms following a tick bite may include fever, fatigue, deep muscle pain, severe headaches, chills, a rash on arms and legs, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Anyone bitten by a tick who develops signs of illness in two weeks should contact his or her health-care provider for tests and treatment.

Health officials suggest avoiding tick infested areas such as high grass or brushy areas on south facing slopes or other areas where deer winter. Wear long-sleeved shirts tight at the waist or tucked in along with long pants tucked into socks or high boots. Light colors make ticks more visible.

During visits to possible tick-infested areas, people should check themselves as well as children and pets by inspecting ears, body folds and around hair lines. Insect repellents containing DEET or permethrin may be applied to clothing.

Apply only repellents containing no more than 35 percent DEET to skin. Don’t apply to children’s hands to avoid getting repellent in their eyes or mouth.

If you are bitten by a tick, disinfect the site prior to removal. Grasp the tick as close to skin as possible using blunt curved forceps or tweezers and pull up with a steady even pressure without twisting or jerking. Don’t crush the body since fluids may contain infectious agents.

After removal, disinfect the bite site, apply a sterile bandage and wash hands with soap and water. Dispose of the tick in a container of alcohol or by flushing down the toilet. Consider saving the live tick for identification in case illness develops.