Take Steps To Protect Yourself From Dangerous Tick-Borne Disease

It was recently announced that a potentially deadly tick-borne disease that is even worse than Lyme has spread to New York. However, exposure to the disease, known as Powassan or POW, can be mitigated based on steps offered by the Centers For Disease Control (CDC).

The highest risk of tick exposure comes during the warmer months, such as April through September, the CDC notes. During this time, the center advises people to avoid wooded or brushy areas, and to stay in the center of trails while walking.

For exposed skin, people are also advised to use repellent containing at least 20 percent DEET, IR3535 or picaridin. Repellents can last for several hours, the CDC states.

The center suggests having clothing, either treated or pre-treated, with substances containing at least 0.5 percent permethrin. The substance can go through several washing cycles and still be effective, the agency notes.

For detection and removal of ticks, the CDC recommends bathing within two hours after coming indoors. Checking for ticks, the CDC states, can be done by using a mirror, either full-length or hand-held. For kids, the CDC suggests a thorough review from parents.

"Parents should check their children for ticks under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and especially in their hair."

A tick check should also include clothing and pets, the CDC notes.

The CDC also has tick-prevention steps for pets, details of which can be found here.

Clothes can be cleaned by washing with hot water and tumble drying on a high heat setting.

More details on direct tick prevention can be found on the CDC's website.

Other preventative steps from the CDC include using pesticide on yards - this measure may require local governmental approval - or in setting up "tick-safe zones" with frequent lawn moving. More details on each step can be found here. Additionally, there are other natural solutions for tick prevention on properties; more details can be found in a 2013 Patch post.

Powassan does not have a vaccine, according to the CDC.

Photo: Image from the U.S. Department of Agriculture