HELENA, Mont. (NMB) – As Montanans look to enjoy the outdoors this spring and summer, state and local public health officials urge everyone to follow a few simple steps to prevent tick bites and their illnesses: Limit, repel, and inspect.
According to a press release, the severity of the tick season is unpredictable. However, each year thousands of people in the U.S. are bitten by ticks and become infected with a tick-borne illness.
Officials say the best way to prevent tick-borne disease is to prevent tick bites. Commonly reported tick-borne diseases in Montana include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, tickborne relapsing fever, tularemia, and Colorado tick fever.
Public health officials say, to prevent tick bites, limit activities in wooded, brushy or grassy areas and mow your property where you and your pets spend time. Wear long, light-colored pants and socks to spot ticks more easily and use insect repellents. And check your skin carefully for ticks after returning from outdoor activities.
