HANCOCK COUNTY — The Hancock County Health Department’s Vector Control Program is reminding local residents to take precautions to prevent insect bites this summer season.
A vector is an animal, insect or tick that spreads pathogens (germs) to people and animals.
“We are currently in the middle of a very active time of year for disease-vectoring insects,” said Derek Adams, Environmental Health Specialist with the county health department, who shared a press release.
“Mosquitoes and ticks are the main Hancock County vectors of concern,” he said.
Adams shared that tick season is in full swing, as adult ticks and nymphal (baby) ticks are actively seeking to ingest blood, increasing the likelihood of human and/or pet interaction.
Ticks — especially nymphal ticks — can be very small, making them incredibly hard to see and remove, said Adams, adding that Hancock County has several species of ticks known to be capable of carrying multiple pathogens.
Mosquito season is also in full swing.
“Like with ticks, mosquito hatches are happening across Hancock County, and adult female mosquitoes are searching for blood meals so that they can reproduce,” Adams shared.
“Not only are mosquitoes annoying, but they are also well-known vectors of multiple pathogens as well. There are multiple species of mosquitoes that call Hancock County home,” he continued. “No matter the mosquito, it is important to protect yourself from bites to minimize the chances of contracting a mosquito-borne illness, and to reduce all those annoying, itchy lumps.”
Adams offered the following advice for minimizing the chance of interacting with such vectors while maximizing the enjoyment of the outdoors.
For ticks:
—Avoid overgrown areas with tall grasses and brush if possible.
—Keep yards mowed to eliminate tick habitat.
—Use insect repellent sprays that contain DEET or another EPA approved insect repellent.
—Make sure to shower soon after being outdoors, and check for ticks thoroughly after venturing into areas where ticks may be present.
—Don’t forget to treat pets with flea and tick medication to prevent them from getting ticks.
For mosquitoes:
—Avoid being outside from dusk to dawn. This is when mosquitoes are most active.
—Wear insect repellent, long sleeves, pants and shoes whenever possible.
—Keep yards mowed and eliminate any areas of standing water.
—Regularly empty containers like bird baths and planters that hold water.
—Clean gutters out to keep them from holding water.
Adams advised that if you’ve had an interaction with a tick, remove the tick and place it in a plastic baggie. Ticks can be submitted to the Hancock County Health Department for identification. If you exhibit symptoms of a rash or fever, contact your primary care physician.
Also contact your physician if you’ve been bitten by a mosquito and start to experience fever, fatigue or swelling.
For more information, call the Hancock County Health Department’s Vector Control Program at 317-477-1125 or email [email protected].
