The State Department of Public Health is urging people to watch out for ticks after the Heartland Virus was reported in southern Illinois.
An older person in Jackson County recently tested positive for the tick-borne Heartland Virus, only the third such case in Illinois since 2018. State Public Health Spokesperson Mike Claffey says ticks can carry other diseases such as Lyme and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever as well, so it’s important to be careful.
“We are just putting out this warning so people know tick-borne diseases are a problem. If you are out hiking, camping it’s really important to take precautions against ticks. It’s great to use insect repellent before you go out and when you get back, check for ticks immediately.”
Signs of infection may include fever, headaches, fatigue, muscle aches and diarrhea. Most people report feeling sick about two weeks after being bitten by a tick.
If you find a tick on yourself or your pet, remove it right away by grasping it with tweezers as close to the skin as possible, pulling it straight out. Wash your hands and the area with soap and water.
