Deer ticks, also called black-legged ticks, are much smaller than dog ticks. They can be the size of the period at the end of this sentence. On Nantucket and elsewhere infected ticks can transmit one or more of the the following to an unsuspecting person: Lyme disease, babesiosis or ehrlichiosis.
Deer ticks are commonly found in sites where the moisture is high, including woods, marshy areas, high grass and along the brushy edges of fields of lawns. If you go into these areas walk in the middle of trails and away from bordering shrubs.
Consider wearing protective clothing - including light colored long pants - ideally tucked into high socks, and a long sleeved shirt - to help you spot ticks. Insect repellents can help. Repellants with DEET (diethyltoluamide) will discourage ticks and those with permethrin will kill them. Use with care.
Daily tick checks are good insurance. After visiting a “tick friendly” area always check yourself thoroughly for ticks – especially behind the knees and thighs, the back, armpits, the groin and hairline.
Normally it takes between 24 and 48 hours for an attached infected tick to pass bacteria to its human host. Remove an attached tick by grabbing it at the skin’s surface with pointed tweezers. Avoid squeezing the tick’s body. Clean the bite site with soap and water and watch for symptoms. If after a bite you experience a fever, an unexplained rash anywhere on your body, painful joints, swollen glands or other flu-like symptoms, contact your physician. Tick-borne diseases can be treated effectively with antibiotics; an early and accurate diagnosis is crucial. For more information contact Nantucket Cottage Hospital (508-825-8100) or Nantucket Health Department (508-228-7226)