As outdoor activities ramp up across Illinois, the Henry & Stark County Health Department, along with First Choice Healthcare, is reminding the public about the risks of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. Ticks remain active into the fall, posing a significant health threat to both humans and pets. In response, the Health Department and First Choice Healthcare, partnering with MDL Labs and the Illinois Lyme Association, are now offering Lyme Disease screenings at all clinic locations in Kewanee, 110 N. Burr Blvd., 309-852-5272; Colona, 103 1st St., 309-792-4011; and Toulon, 120 E. Court St., 309-852-3115, weekdays from 8 AM to 4 PM. Most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, are accepted. Additionally, a special grant has enabled new tick surveillance and testing activities across Henry and Stark Counties. Officials urge everyone to check themselves, their children, and their pets for ticks after outdoor activities to minimize disease risk.
“The most important thing people can do to “Fight the Bite” is to diligently check themselves, their pets and children for ticks after spending time in areas where ticks live, such as in and near wooded areas, tall grass and brush. Removing ticks within a 24-hour period reduces the risk of potential disease transmission.”
For more information on the Health Department’s Tick Collection and Testing or Lyme Disease screening, visit www.henrystarkhealth.org or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.