Iowa’s emergency rooms saw higher-than-normal visits in April for tick bites, according to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The increase in visits reflects a nationwide trend reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC reported last week that the weekly rate of emergency room visits for tick bites across the United States is the highest for this time of year since 2017. In Iowa, such visits typically peak in May, but a generally warm April likely pushed that peak earlier in the year. State health officials note the increase comes as May marks Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Tick bites can lead to serious illnesses, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and alpha-gal syndrome, which can result in animal product allergies in rare cases. As Iowans head outdoors more with warmer weather, they should take steps to reduce the risk of tick bites, such as avoiding wooded or brushy areas with tall grass and leaf litter and treating clothing and gear with insect repellents when possible. After spending time outdoors, people should check clothing, gear, and pets for ticks and consider showering within two hours of coming indoors, which may help reduce the risk of tickborne diseases. If symptoms develop within several weeks of a tick bite, such as unexplained fever or rashes, Iowans should contact their primary health care provider. For more information on tick-related diseases, follow the link included below.
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