As warmer weather approaches, the Plumas County Public Health Agency issues a reminder to residents and visitors about the seasonal hazards posed by mosquitoes and tick-borne illnesses. Increased outdoor activities during spring and summer increase the risk of exposure to these health threats.
Mosquitoes and West Nile virus
Mosquitoes are more active during the warmer months, which raises the risk of West Nile virus transmission and other mosquito-borne diseases. West Nile virus is primarily spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Although many people infected with West Nile virus do not experience symptoms, the virus can cause severe illness in some cases, particularly in individuals over the age of 50 or those with weakened immune systems.
PCPHA offers these prevention tips:
- Use insect repellent: Apply insect repellents registered with the Environmental Protection Agency containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-3,8-diol.
- Wear protective clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Eliminate standing water: Remove or regularly empty standing water from items such as buckets, flowerpots and birdbaths to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
- Install screens: Ensure windows and doors have intact screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes.
Tick-borne illnesses
Ticks are also more active in the warmer months and can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These diseases can have serious health implications if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
PCPHA offers these prevention tips:
- Avoid tick-infested areas: When possible, avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. Stay in the center of trails when hiking.
- Use tick repellents: Apply repellents that contain 20 to 30% DEET on exposed skin and clothing. Use products that contain permethrin on clothing.
- Perform tick checks: After being outdoors, thoroughly check the body and clothing for ticks. Pay close attention to areas such as armpits, behind the knees and in hair.
- Shower soon after being outdoors: Showering within two hours of coming indoors can help wash off unattached ticks and is an opportunity to do a thorough tick check.
Anyone bitten by a tick is encouraged to remove it right away with tweezers. Watch for symptoms, such as fever, rash, aches and pains, and talk to a doctor right away if feeling sick after a tick bite.
PCPHA urges everyone to take these preventive measures seriously to protect themselves and their loved ones from these seasonal hazards. For more information on mosquito and tick-borne illnesses, visit the California Department of Public Health vector-borne disease website.
Information provided by Plumas County Public Health Agency