We’re in peak tick season here in southwest Michigan. Berrien County Health Department epidemiologist Adriana Baker tells us there are plenty of places in the area where you might encounter ticks.
“Ticks especially love shady, moist, wooded areas with high grass,” Baker said. “In Berrien County we have a lot of dunes where it’s sandy, but where that meets the high grass or wooded areas where they’re not going to be washed away by the lake, they especially love those areas.”
Baker says if you’ve been out in such an area, you should thoroughly check your body for ticks when you get home. Also check pets. She says ticks most commonly transmit Lyme disease, but carry other diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
“A tick needs to be attached for at least 36 to 48 or more hours before Lyme disease can be transmitted. So, even if you find a tick attached to you and it’s only been a few hours, you don’t have to worry about thinking you have Lyme disease or anything like that.”
If you’re going to be outdoors, wear long pants and sleeves. Baker says Berrien County last year had 35 reported cases of Lyme disease, and so far this year, we’re at 33. You can find out more about ticks right here.
