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**Tick Activity on the Rise in Illinois: Experts Warn of Potential Health Risks**

JOLIET, IL – As warmer weather beckons residents outdoors, health officials are warning of increased tick activity across Illinois. While most ticks are harmless, they can transmit dangerous diseases to humans and pets, making awareness and prevention crucial.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) emphasizes that ticks, which are arachnids, not insects, thrive in grassy and shrubby areas, waiting to latch onto passing hosts. They can be active any time ground temperatures reach 45 degrees or higher, even in mild winter conditions. Fifteen tick species are found in Illinois, with the American dog tick, blacklegged tick (deer tick), brown dog tick, lone star tick, and winter tick most commonly encountered by humans.

Nationally, about half a million new cases of tick-borne illnesses are reported annually, with Lyme disease being the most prevalent. Other concerns include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis, some of which can be life-threatening. Symptoms of tick-borne illness vary, but fever and rash after being in tick-prone areas warrant immediate medical attention.

The IDPH recommends several precautions to minimize tick encounters:

* Avoid grassy and shrubby areas when possible.
* Wear light-colored clothing to easily spot ticks.
* Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535.
* Treat clothing and gear with permethrin.

Upon returning indoors, thoroughly check yourself, children, and pets for ticks. Shower within two hours and dry clothes on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any hidden ticks. If a tick is found, remove it promptly with tweezers, gripping as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight out without twisting. Never use nail polish, petroleum jelly, or burnt matches. Dispose of the tick by flushing it, taping it, or placing it in alcohol or soapy water. For outdoor pets, check daily, especially around ears, eyelids, under the collar, between legs and toes, and around the tail. Use a tick-preventive product on dogs.

If bitten by a tick, monitor for symptoms and contact a healthcare provider if a fever or rash develops. Seek medical attention if a blacklegged tick may have been attached for three or more days to discuss preventative antibiotics for Lyme disease.

[Article contains information from the Forest Preserve District of Will County]

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