Updated
Updated · peakofohio.com · Jun 8
Mercy Health Urges Bite Precautions as Tick and Mosquito Illnesses Rise From April to October
Updated
Updated · peakofohio.com · Jun 8

Mercy Health Urges Bite Precautions as Tick and Mosquito Illnesses Rise From April to October

3 articles · Updated · peakofohio.com · Jun 8

Summary

  • Mercy Health warned residents to step up tick and mosquito protection as summer outdoor activity increases and vector-borne illnesses keep rising nationwide.
  • Warmer, wetter weather has expanded tick and mosquito populations, making them active earlier in spring and later into fall, with the highest risk typically running from April through October.
  • Lyme disease, West Nile virus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Eastern equine encephalitis were cited among the threats, with providers saying cases have steadily increased over the past decade.
  • DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus repellents, long sleeves and pants, tick checks after outdoor activity, pet checks and removing standing water were among the recommended prevention steps.
  • Bullseye-like rashes, flu-like symptoms after outdoor exposure, persistent fever, headaches or infected bite sites should prompt quick medical care, which Mercy Health said improves treatment and helps prevent long-term complications.

Insights

As insect seasons lengthen, is personal bug spray enough to combat a growing public health crisis?
Your dog's tick medicine keeps them safe, but could it pose a hidden danger to other pets and wildlife?
Ultrasonic repellents are a huge industry. Why do scientists say they offer virtually zero protection from bites?