Protecting Yourself Against Ticks in Northern Nevada

Diseases caused by ticks, mosquitoes and fleas have tripled in recent years, according to the CDC. In 2016, there were more than 25,000 confirmed cases of Lyme disease, which is spread by ticks.

Northern Nevadans should certainly be aware of ticks, but shouldn't panic.  According to Jim Shaffer, the Vector Borne Diseases Coordinator, there have only been a handful of Lyme disease cases in our area. Those ticks are more of a problem for our neighbors in California.

Before Nevadans write them off completely, there are still precautions to take this summer. That's because northern Nevada is home to a different type of tick, Shaffer explains, "The American Dog Tick or the 'Wood Tick'-- and that tick transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever."

He advises anyone heading out for a hike to wear light colored clothes, tuck your pants into your shoes, use insect repellent, and be sure to check your body for any blood-suckers after spending time outdoors. This is an especially important step since they can latch on for quite some time before you might even notice them. Shaffer says, "It takes at least six hours of them feeding on you before they transmit that bacteria."

Keep an eye out for any of these symptoms: Headache, fever, muscle ache. Shaffer adds, "If you don't go ahead and treat it, it affects your kidneys and your heart." 

According to Shaffer, these ticks are not a big concern on the valley floor, but you might run into them while hiking in the Sierras or other wooded areas. He adds, "We've seen a lot of them behind Bowers Mansion."

Amber Healy, a longtime Reno resident says she has not run into a tick problem in the valley, but continued, "I've had problems with them in Lake Tahoe. They were walking on the blanket and I worry about my dog."

Healy has a valid concern, since the ticks can infect animals, too. That's why Ethan Dillard makes sure his best friend is well-protected before spending time outside, especially on a hike. Dillard says, "I always make sure he's up to date on his monthly Frontline and his tick prevention medication."  

If you do happen to find a tick on your body, you can take it into the health district so they can test it for any diseases.  

For more information on how to protect yourself from ticks this summer season, click here.