UNDATED (KDAL) – May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Health Services are reminding everyone to protect themselves from the tick bites that lead to Lyme Disease or other illnesses.
The ticks that spread the bacterial infection, black legged or deer ticks, can often go un-noticed due to their size that can be as small as a poppy seed.
To limit your chances of contracting Lyme disease, cover as much of your body as possible, avoid high grass and vegetation, use an insect repellent and always check yourself, children and pets for ticks.
Pay special attention to the areas behind the knees, under armpits and around the hairline and ears.
If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible using tweezers.
Lyme disease symptoms generally develop from three to thirty days after being bitten and include fever, chills, fatigue, muscle and joint pain.
If you have symptoms, see a doctor right away as the disease can be treated with antibiotics.
