There’s a new warning from health officials as we start spending more time outside.
WTHR is reporting ticks are on the rise in parts of Indiana and some of them are carrying Lyme disease.
In addition to Lyme disease, ticks can also transmit several other diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
By preventing tick bites, it can protect Hoosiers from all tick-borne illnesses.
Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants if you’re going to be in grassy or wooded areas.
- Use bug spray with DEET.
- Once you get back inside, check for ticks.
- Putting your clothes in the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes will kill ticks.
And if you start feeling sick after finding a tick on you, call your doctor immediately. Tick-borne diseases can be treated with antibiotics, and prompt diagnosis can help prevent complications.