Health officials are reminding people to watch for ticks when outdoors this summer.
Health officials are reminding people to watch for ticks when outdoors this summer. Ticks can carry the bacteria causing Lyme disease, a potentially serious illness for humans. Cook County Department of Public Health officials say ticks carrying the bacteria have been found in some southwest suburban forest preserves and in parts of the northwest suburbs. The first sign of Lyme disease is often a characteristic "bulls-eye" rash. That can lead to fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, chills and pain in the muscles or joints. Staying on well-traveled trails in forest preserves can help hikers avoid ticks. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants is advised. And insect repellents containing DEET also can ward off ticks. ______ Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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