Health Officials Urge Precautions Against Ticks and Mosquitoes

SPRINGFIELD — As summer activity increases, health officials are reminding residents to protect themselves from ticks and mosquitoes, which can spread illnesses such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. People are advised to use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR 3535, and to avoid outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours from dusk to dawn. Ticks can be found in wooded or grassy areas, so it’s important to check people and pets for ticks every few hours and remove any promptly with tweezers. Residents are also encouraged to consult veterinarians about tick prevention for pets.