MAPLEWOOD HEALTH DEPARTMENT ISSUES TICK SEASON ADVISORY

From Maplewood Health Department
 
Maplewood Health Department Encourages Residents to Enjoy the Outdoors but Beware of Ticks

N.J. has designated May 2017 as Lyme Disease Awareness Month. According to the New Jersey Department of Health Lyme Disease is endemic in NJ with other 4,800 cases reported in 2015, which was the second highest number of cases reported in the U.S. In 2015, Essex County reported 165 Lyme disease cases.   

Recent news coverage indicates that 2017 may see a reportable increase of tickborne diseases, such as Lyme Disease, erlichiosis, rocky mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis and Powassan disease, due to an increase in tick population. 

The Maplewood Health Department provides case investigation and monitoring of suspect or confirmed Lyme disease cases in the township but another important aspect is the prevention of new cases.  As part of a targeted health education campaign, the Maplewood Health Department has chosen one key message to prevent tickborne diseases: “Don’t Take Ticks Home.  Do A Tick Check.” 

These signs (see below) will be posted on the Maplewood entryway up to South Mountain Reservation on Claremont Ave. For anyone who frequents walking in the Reservation or in wooded areas and who live adjacent to the South Mountain Reservation, the Maplewood Health Department advises that residents do a tick check upon leaving the park or spending time in their backyards if they live along the reservation.

 The yellow bars are the areas where people may find ticks: in the nape of the scalp, under the armpit, along the waist, shorts and pants/sock line, in the groin area and behind the knees.

Additionally, beware bare skin. Don’t make it easy for ticks to bite you. Wear long-sleeved tops, long pants, socks and sturdy shoes when tromping through forested areas. Use repellents with DEET on exposed skin and clothing. Stay on paved walking paths and trails and avoid walking among the underbrush or unmarked areas. For more information, go to the Health Department’s Monthly Health Promotion Page: 

http://www.twp.maplewood.nj.us/index.aspx?nid=572 and look for the article on Ticks.