The Fairfax County Health Department in Virginia released a new music video to educate the public about Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.
The video highlights these simple steps people can take to prevent tick bites:
- Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter, and walk in the center of trails. Maintain a tick-free yard by keeping grass mowed.
- Use repellent that is proven to be safe and effective at keeping ticks away: DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin for protection that lasts several hours. Use products that contain 0.5% permethrin on clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents. Always follow label instructions.
- Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours) and conduct a full body check to find ticks that may be crawling on you. Carefully remove ticks you find with fine-tipped tweezers.
- Seek medical attention if you have symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue and rash and have had a tick bite, live in an area known for Lyme disease, or have recently traveled to an area where Lyme disease occurs.
Learn more and watch the video here.
