A deer tick (Photo: DNR)
With warmer weather in Wisconsin, state health officials are urging those spending time outdoors to be on the lookout for ticks.
State Health Department epidemiologist Diep Hoang Johnson says the insects can carry a variety of illnesses that can lead to long term health effects, which include Lyme disease. She says it’s important to do thorough checks on yourself, children, and pets after being outside.
The insects tend to emerge relatively early once the weather warms up and moisture returns to the environment. Johnson says she’s already heard anecdotal reports of them being seen in parts of the state this spring.