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CLARKSBURG – While the summer is in full swing, people spend more time in nature and even near water plans, but this can pose a serious threat to health: Lyme disease.
The disease is caused by bacteria carried by blacklegged ticks, more commonly known as deer ticks. An infected tick can transmit the disease to its host, which can cause illness.
Any stings from a deer tick or a tick infected with deer will not cause the disease.
Some local residents spoke of the precautions they took this summer to protect themselves and their pets from the disease.
Jessica Long of Bridgeport said that she knew the seriousness of Lyme disease and that she took all the necessary precautions to make sure that it did not happen to her.
"Once, when I was little, we were afraid to think that I could have it, so since then, I've been so careful," she said. "Whenever I go into the woods, I wear long socks with long pants and long sleeves in general, it's really hot, I wear a t-shirt with a lot of insecticide on my arms."
Long noted that even with those in place, she must always check herself once she comes out of the forest. She wants to make sure nothing falls on her.
"I make sure to look over my body and if someone else is with me, I ask them to check too," she said. "Especially in places like my back or my head where I could not see myself."
Gary Moore of Shinnston said that ticks are always on the lookout for his dog. Although he has never found one, his beagle has had some before.
"I assure her that she is always aware of her shots and that she is sure to put her flea and tick medications," he said. "If I find a tick on it, I make sure that I pick it up properly and then burn it."
Moore said happily that he has not found any ticks this summer or his dog and hopes to keep it that way.
Cathy Davis, of North View, said she was not going out in the woods or going for a hike without wearing long clothes, but she also made sure to put the repellent first.
"I want to do everything I can to make sure I'm not going to have ticks," she said. "I always put on a bug spray before putting on my long pants and my shirt, I make sure I'm wearing light clothes that wick away moisture, so as not to overheat.
Hiking is one of Davis' favorite summer activities and she enjoys touring the state at a variety of state parks. She said that although Lyme disease is always a possibility when you spend a lot of time in the woods, she tries not to focus on it.
"I'm doing what I can to make sure I'm protected and I really check myself very well once back home," she said. "I have been doing this for a number of years and luckily I have never had a problem with Lyme."
People who develop body pains, an rash in the form of bull's eye or who have a stain that looks infected or swollen should consult a doctor.
While ticks can be found anywhere on the body, the most common places are the scalp, behind the ears, under the armpits, behind the knees and around the belts.
Writer Victoria L. Cann can be reached at (304) 626-1409 or [email protected]. Follow me on Twitter @vcann_theet
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