Dept. of Health: Don’t let ticks steal warm-weather enjoyment

CHEYENNE (WNE) — With tick season quickly approaching, the Wyoming Department of Health says simple steps can help residents protect themselves and their family members from potentially serious tick-borne illnesses.
Courtney Tillman, an epidemiologist with WDH, said past records show people typically start seeking medical help due to tick bites in May. Diseases sometimes spread by infected ticks in Wyoming include tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) and Colorado tick fever (CTF).
“If you have symptoms of tick-borne illness, it’s important to let your health care provider know if you have been in a tick area, have handled live or dead animals, or have traveled out of state,” Tillman said.
People can be exposed to ticks when walking through, playing or sitting in brushy and grassy areas, or when handling certain animals.
Steps to help avoid tick-related diseases include the following: