Health security

Tick-borne disease is soaring in NC. Here’s how to avoid getting bitten.

Infection can spring from a single bite, and many victims can’t recall being bitten.

Campers and hikers know to watch for ticks in the woods, but they also keep to tall grass and heavy brush, making gardeners and lawn-mowers a target. Ticks jump aboard animals, so just spending time with Rover increases the chance for contact.

For people interested in enjoying life, staying indoors, forgoing pets and wearing long pants isn’t practical. So the best prevention is:

▪ Using repellants, which should include an EPA registration number on the label to prove it has been tested.

▪ Performing a thorough tick check, especially these tender spots: under the arms, in and behind the ears, in hair, in the bellybutton, between the legs and behind knees.

▪ Tumble-dry clothing for 10 minutes.