The NJ Tick Threat. What You Need to Know.

You probably know that Lyme disease is spread through tick bites, but several other diseases are spread by ticks that you should be aware of.

According to the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, several diseases are spread by ticks in New Jersey.

Among the other diseases are Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis,  Ehrlichiosis,  Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Powassan virus. 

Some of the More Common Ticks That are Found in New Jersey are,

• American Dog Ticks
• Asian Longhorn Ticks
• Deer Ticks
• Lone Star Ticks

Ticks may be found virtually anywhere in our state.  They are especially common anywhere there are trees- like the woods.

It's important for anyone who spends time outdoors, to check for ticks on your body.

If you find a tick on your body, don't panic.  Removing a tick isn't typically difficult.

How to Remove a Tick

The CDC advises that you,

• Use fine-tipped tweezers.  Make sure you clean them thoroughly before using them.  Rubbing alcohol is a good sanitizer, but soap and water work as well.
• Grip the tick with the tweezers and pull upward with steady and even pressure.  If the tick breaks off, try to remove it with the tweezers.  If you can't get it all, let the skin heal.
• When done, clean the wound with alcohol or soap and water.
• Flush the tick down the toilet.

Not all tick bites result in infection.  Watch for symptoms that include, a rash or fever.  That would probably happen after a couple of weeks.

If symptoms occur, you should see your family doctor.