The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services advised Missourians last week to protect themselves from tick bites.
A northeast Missouri child died May 23 from a tick-borne disease. The child received intensive medical care, but died 10 days after symptoms appeared.
St. Louis Children’s Hospital performed tests that indicate the child was infected with Ehrlichia chaffeensis, a disease related to Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
The department has received increased reports this year of several tick-borne diseases.
Tick-borne diseases may be treated with antibiotics, especially when caught at an early stage, State Public Health Veterinarian Howard Pue said.
People can protect themselves from ticks by:
• Avoiding areas with lots of ticks. Walk in the center of trails to avoid overhanging grass and brush.
• Keep ticks off the skin with a repellent. Wear light-colored clothing that makes ticks easier to spot.
•Check yourself for ticks before going inside, even if you’re just out in your yard.