MU Health Care warns of tick-borne illnesses

EDITOR'S NOTE: Words in a quote have been corrected.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

If you've spent time outside recently, you may have noticed an increase in ticks.

According to MU Health Care, there has been an increase in tick-borne illnesses over the past several years. One doctor at MU said it's important for people to check for insects after spending time outdoors.

"It's good just for them to take a shower and just do a tick check. And not only for humans It's also important to perform tick checks, on our pets as well, because sometimes the pets can bring in the ticks into the house," Dr. Andres Bran, MU Health Care infectious disease specialist, said

When spending time outside, Bran recommends wearing longer pants, using repellent, and staying on paved paths or trails.

Common tick-borne diseases in Missouri, according to the Department of Health and Senior Services, include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Ehrlichiosis, Tularemia, and Heartland and Bourbon viruses