As warmer weather brings more time outdoors, the Kane County Health Department is reminding residents to protect themselves against mosquitoes and ticks, which can carry diseases such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease.
Mosquito and tick activity increases during the spring and summer months, making prevention an important part of staying healthy while enjoying outdoor activities.
West Nile virus remains the most common mosquito-borne disease in Illinois and is primarily spread through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito. Most people infected do not develop symptoms, but some may experience fever, headaches, body aches, or, in rare cases, serious neurological illness. Illinois continues statewide West Nile virus monitoring through mosquito, bird, and animal surveillance to identify virus activity and help local health departments respond early.
If you find a tick attached to your skin:
Remove it promptly by grasping the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible using clean fine-tipped tweezers.
Pull tick away from the skin with steady, even pressure.
Dispose of it by flushing it down the toilet, wrapping it tightly in tape, or putting it in alcohol.
Thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer.
Do a tick check to look for more ticks on other parts of your body and promptly remove them.
Watch for symptoms such as rash, fever, or fatigue and contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop.
The Kane County Health Department invites the community to pick up a tick removal kit from our Aurora office at 1240 N. Highland Ave., Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m..
For more information about mosquito and tick prevention, visit: https://www.kanehealth.com/Pages/Vector-Borne-Disease.aspx
—Kane County government