CARTERVILLE, Ill. (WSIL)-- As it gets warmer, it's only natural that people will spend more time outside.
Spending time outside in nature, especially in woody areas, increases one's chances of getting a tick.
The Illinois Department of Public Health is highlighting the hazards those outside pests may bring.
May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month. The IDPH wants to warn people with its "Fight the Bite" campaign.
Ticks can infect you, your family, and your pets. They're most commonly found in wooded areas with tall grass and brush.
Health officials say there are ways to protect yourself before going out on those nature adventures.
Shawnna Rhine, with the Southern Seven Health Department, says that starts with wearing the proper insect repellent.
“Make sure that you're wearing clothing that covers your entire body and to check not just yourself for ticks, but make sure you're checking other family members who are with you as well as your pets,� Rhine says. “Lyme disease can affect our pets, and we want to make sure that everyone stays healthy and safe.�
Rhine says people should also make sure they walk in the center of trails if they are going on nature walks. They should make sure weeds do not brush against them, and if they are outside for a long time, continuously check for ticks every two to three hours.
If you find a tick, remove it promptly, grasping it as close to the skin as possible and removing it by gently but firmly pulling it straight out.
Rhine says after removal, people should wash the infected area and monitor themselves for symptoms.
“If you start seeing a bullseye-type rash appear around where the bite is, or you start experiencing fever, chills, a general ill feeling, a headache, or joint pain, contact your doctor to determine if it is Lyme disease and what your next steps are,� Rhine said.
She says the Southern Seven workers are currently out testing ticks in the lower seven counties.
They test the ticks for Lyme disease to see what this season's spread could look like.Â
