PC: Fox 11 Online
FOX VALLEY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — From May through July, ticks run rampant in wooded areas across Wisconsin.
Dr. William Kumprey with ThedaCare said cases of Lyme disease from ticks have risen in recent years.
“We have a lot of parks, even in urban areas. Suburban areas, people are getting outdoors more taking their dogs for a walk. And there’s certainly a lot more prevalence just statistically because we’re more aware of it,” he said.
Biology professor Shelly Michalski at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh said on top of awareness, there’s an environmental reason for the uptick.
“Ticks are spreading. And part of this is climate change, and I’ve actually done studies on this where we establish that in our area, in the Oshkosh area, usually you see American Dog Ticks,” Michalski explained. “They don’t carry a lot of diseases, but we are seeing more and more deer ticks coming over the Wisconsin River.”
Kumprey said if you’re bitten by a tick, the chance of getting Lyme disease is 1-2%. That doesn’t mean preventative measures shouldn’t be taken.
“Light clothing, hats, but when you do your tick check, be thorough. The ones that transmit most of the disease are the nymphs, they’re very tiny. So you know it’s more prevention than spotting,” he said.
Kumprey added that symptoms of Lyme disease include a growing rash and flu-like symptoms. Fevers, chills, body aches, stiff necks.
Michalski said if you feel those symptoms, go to a doctor immediately. But don’t just leave the tick behind.
“If you get a tick on you and you think it’s bitten you, keep the tick. Put it in a plastic bag or in a jar and you can take it to your doctor and they will be able to identify the tick and tell you what risk you have for disease.”
You can also donate a tick for a Marshfield clinical study according to Michalski.
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