05/03/07 Tick danger

The South Central District Health office is warning residents in the Magic Valley to be aware of a danger from ticks. A bacterial disease was found in some rural Lincoln County livestock and the attending veterinarian reported they were heavily infested with ticks. Epidemiologist Cheryle Becker says the ticks carry an organism that causes tularemia in animals and people. What are the symptoms in people? BECKER "Fever, chills, headaches, diarrhea, muscle aches, joint pain, cough, weakness, those are all symptoms of Tularemia. There are also other diseases carried by ticks, and those are Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, relapsing fever, Lyme Disease. All of those diseases have been diagnosed in individuals in our area in the last few years." Becker says farm workers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts need to thoroughly check themselves, their dogs or horses when passing through heavy grasses and sagebrush. Take preventative action by wearing light clothing to allow you to see ticks. Tuck pant legs into socks, apply repellents, check your entire body and check children's hair too when returning from areas with tick infestations. South Central District Health has more information and advice about ticks on their website. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott