Health Department Reports Active Deer Ticks and Urges Precautions

SPRINGFIELD — State Health Department personnel report finding active blacklegged deer ticks in northern Illinois and are urging residents to take steps to prevent bites. Officials recommend tucking pant legs into socks or boots and shirts into pants to reduce skin exposure. People should check themselves for ticks during and after time outdoors, and wearing light colored clothing can make ticks easier to spot. Treating clothing such as shoes and pants with permethrin is advised, along with using insect repellent containing 30 percent or more DEET on exposed skin. Showering soon after leaving tick habitat and doing a full body check can help remove ticks before they attach. Residents should also check pets, as ticks can be carried indoors. Protective products are available for dogs, but officials warn that dog products should never be used on cats due to chemical sensitivity.