5/18/2018
Summer's almost here, which means the heat, humidity and a silent danger are exploding in Virginia.
Tick-borne illnesses are on the rise, and Virginia's been hard hit by the number of tick infections, which if left untreated, can be serious.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in Virginia there were more than 16,000 tick-borne disease cases between 2004 and 2016 in Virginia alone.
Getting a tick bite is no small matter as they can carry Lyme disease, which if not treated, can cause some big health problems.
Ticks are sneaky, tiny vampire-like pests that can attach to you and you won't even feel it. It can remain in your skin feeding on your blood.
The insects are known for carrying various disease that can infect humans, including Lyme disease, which is why medical experts say if you develop a rash, see a doctor.
Local Med Express Physicians Assistant Jacklyn Puga says one kind of rash should put you on high alert.
"Bullseye rash is indicative of Lyme disease, so if you get that you will be treated with antibiotics," she said.
"Sometimes the symptoms can last up to six months afterwards, and I always tell people once you've had it once, just be aware to complete the full course of antibiotics and stay in touch with your family doctor."
Puga also says her health center has seen a big surge in tick bites recently. If you find one on you, she says, use tweezers to pull the bloodsucker off.
She adds ticks don't fly. They attach themselves to your clothing and crawl down your shirt or up your pants.
They are small, and when they attach themselves, they are painless.
Experts say the pests will mostly be attracted to the warm, moist parts of your body.
"Just make sure you check, a full body check, check the pets. A lot of time cats and dogs carry ticks in as well," said Puga,
She especially says you check for ticks when you come in from wooded areas or places with high grass.
Courtesy of CBS19News. Original article can be read here.