Important Announcement: QVHD is closely monitoring the community spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Please direct all general questions to the state's hotline by dialing 2-1-1 or call 833-ASK-YNHH (833-275-9644). Anyone experiencing symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) is strongly urged to contact their medical provider to seek treatment. For additional information, visit our information page at www.qvhd.org/coronavirus-preparedness or ct.gov/coronavirus.
Tick Talk: Preventing Tick Bites
Spring time is here and summer is right around the corner. That means warmer weather, days with longer sunlight and possible tick exposure! Ticks are most active during warmer months (April – September). Exposure is still possible year-round, so now is the time to be especially careful with preventing tick bites. Our friends over at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2019) have the following recommendations for preventing tick bites:
“Before you go outdoors, know where to expect ticks. Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, or even on animals. Many people get ticks in their own yard or neighborhood.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) helpful search tool, https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you, can help you find the insect repellent that best suits your needs. Just be sure to always follow product instructions.
After you come indoors, check your clothing for ticks. Ticks can ride into the home on clothing and pets, then attach to a person later, so carefully examine pets, clothes, and any other gear.
Shower soon after being outdoors. Showering within two hours of coming indoors has been shown to reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease and may be effective in reducing the risk of other tickborne diseases. Showering may help wash off unattached ticks and it is a good opportunity to do a tick check.
Always check your body for ticks after being outdoors. Conduct a full body check upon return from potentially tick-infested areas, including your own backyard. Use a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body. Check these parts of your body and your child’s body for ticks: under the arms, in and around the ears, inside belly button, back of the knees, in and around the hair, between the legs, and around the waist.”
Bitten by a tick? The CT Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), located at 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, will test engorged ticks for the presence of the germ that causes Lyme disease. All ticks must be transported by residents to the CAES station after receiving the submission form, signed by QVHD, in order to be tested. A copy of your submission form must be submitted to QVHD so we can notify you of the results when received. Residents can obtain the signed form ready-to-go online by visiting qvhd.org/ticks or by stopping by our office located at 1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven!
