For immediate release: August 25, 2004 (04-098)

Contacts:
Tom Gibbs, Zoonotic Disease Program 360-236-3060
Deanna Whitman, Communications Office 360-236-4022

OLYMPIA ¾ Most Washingtonians find ticks, bees and mosquitoes annoying, but the Washington State Department of Health is reminding residents that the diseases these pests may carry can be more than irritating. Insects become more active during warmer months, and people spending time outdoors are more likely to be exposed to them.

Ticks are found statewide and live in areas of open forest, sagebrush and grasslands. They usually feed on the blood of animals but will feed on humans when animals are not around. Hikers, campers and people spending time outdoors in tick-infested areas should check themselves at least every 12 hours to remove ticks. Most tick bites do not lead to illness, however people who develop a fever, rash or pain and swelling in the area of the bite should see their health care provider.

Following these guidelines can reduce your risk of tick bites:

Remove attached ticks slowly to prevent broken mouthparts from remaining in the skin. Use blunt tweezers or forceps or wear protective gloves and use your fingers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward. Do not crush or puncture the tick since it may carry disease. Wash the bite with soap and water and apply an antiseptic.

Bees and wasps are found statewide and become active during warm weather. Their stings can be painful, with redness, itching and swelling lasting for several days. To reduce the effects of the sting, quickly remove the stinger, apply ice and a paste of baking soda; commercial preparations can also be used. Reduce your chances of being stung by avoiding brightly colored clothing, open-toed shoes and aromatic perfumes or lotions.

People who are allergic to bee or wasp stings should seek immediate medical attention following a sting. Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction to any insect sting should carry identification that states their allergy and any medication they are taking.

Mosquitoes are more active during warmer weather, increasing the threat of mosquito-borne disease transmission, including West Nile virus. While most mosquito bites do not lead to human illness, mosquito borne diseases can be serious so prevention is important. Mosquitoes can breed in anything that can hold water for several days. Mosquito exposure can be reduced by following practices that eliminate breeding areas around your home:

• Proper disposal of tin cans and other water-holding containers.
• Removal of discarded tires from your property.
• Keeping rain gutters clean and operable.
• Turning over plastic wading pools, wheelbarrows, etc.
• Changing water in birdbaths weekly.
• Eliminating any standing water around your home, especially around animal watering troughs.

Precaution against mosquito bites include wearing protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants instead of shorts, using mosquito repellents containing DEET, making sure doors and windows are properly screened and staying indoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are active.

More information on summer pests is available on the Department of Health’s Web site (http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/ZOO.htm)

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