Peak season for tick-borne illnesses

A new study shows your chances of getting Lyme Disease have increased.

The study shows 260 counties are at an increased risk for the tick-borne illness. That is double the risk found 10 years ago.

June and July are the peak months for getting tick-borne illnesses in the U.S., according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. But local doctors tell Abc 17 News you are more likely to get other forms of the illness here in Missouri.

Doctor Eric Bettis at Broadway Urgent Care said the clinic has not seen any patients with Lyme Disease this summer. But they have seen many patients with Ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, which he said are both on the rise in Central Missouri.

The clinic has treated a growing number of patients for the two tick-borne illnesses the last few summers with many patients that had to be hospitalized.

Symptoms of Ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever include fatigue, body aches, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting and sometimes a rash. Symptoms may not appear for a week to two weeks in some cases.

The CDC said if you find a tick attached to your skin, use fine-tipped tweezers to grab the tick and pull upward. Thoroughly clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub or soap and water.

If you are going to be in a wooded area, Bettis said walk in the center of the trail, wear loose clothing and use bug spray with DEET or Permethrin.

If you have symptoms of a tick-borne illness, see your primary doctor immediately, Bettis said.