Wyoming Health Department: 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:

. Apply insect repellents registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, such as those containing 20% or more DEET and/or picaridin.

. Treat outdoor clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin.

. Avoid brushy areas with high grass. When hiking, walk in the center of trails.

. Upon returning from potentially tick-infested areas, shower and search self and children for ticks and remove if found.

. To kill ticks on dry clothing, tumble dry on high heat for 10 minutes after being in tick areas. If clothes require washing, use hot water.

. Check pets for ticks; use tick control products recommended by veterinarians.

. Carefully handle live or dead potentially infected animals such as rabbits and rodents.

. Always follow product instructions when using permethrin and insect repellents.

Information from WDH about tick-borne illnesses, along with other infectious diseases, can be found at tinyurl.com/wdh-infectious-diseases.

This story was published on April 27, 2024.