KIRKSVILLE, M0. -- It's officially tick season after this year's first confirmed case of tick-borne disease involved a woman in her 80s from south of St. Louis.
Our Fact Finder Team learned ticks can carry diseases if left untreated.
In 2008, Missouri had a rate of 11 tick-borne illnesses for every 100,000 Missourians.
Fact Finder discovered prevention is the key to avoiding serious illness.
“Whenever you're outside, particularly in a wooded area, you need to protect yourself with clothing, long-sleeved shirts, paints, things to cover y our head, a hat or cap, and then you need to wear a skin tick repellant that contains DEET,” said Adair County Health Department R.N. Lori Guffey.
Other tips include tucking your pants into your socks so ticks can't crawl into your shoes. You should always check your body for ticks after being outdoors.
If you do find one, use tweezers to remove it and contact your physician if you experience illness.
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