The Illinois Department of Public Health is urging residents to remain vigilant against ticks as May marks Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Officials highlight the increased risk when spending time in wooded or grassy environments and recommend thorough tick checks upon returning indoors. Lyme disease, transmitted chiefly by the black-legged tick, can lead to severe health complications if left untreated. Early symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, and a distinctive skin rash. Health experts encourage the use of insect repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants, and promptly removing ticks to reduce the risk of infection. Public awareness remains key in disease prevention.
“Lyme disease is a serious bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of infected ticks,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Lyme Disease is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States affecting more than 500,000 people nationally each year. As the summer approaches, I encourage our residents to learn to ‘Fight the Bite’ and protect yourself and your loved ones from tickborne illnesses. If you have been in wooded or high grassy areas and are experiencing symptoms – fever, fatigue, headache and a circular rash – see your health care provider immediately.”
In addition to Lyme disease, other serious tickborne diseases include Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, tularemia, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis. Some tickborne illnesses can be life-threatening. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is particularly dangerous and may cause death as quickly as five days after symptom onset.
If you become ill with fever and/or rash after being in an area prone to ticks, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
IDPH has created an interactive Tick Surveillance Map that documents the counties in Illinois where the different tick species have been confirmed, as well as the diseases they may carry.
