COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Insight Hospital and Medical Center Coldwater is advising residents to take precautions as a heavy, early tick season is expected across Michigan, with increased reports of black-legged ticks capable of transmitting Lyme disease.
Health officials have already reported increased tick activity and higher numbers of tick bite-related visits this season.
Ticks can cause illnesses such as Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections.
Ticks can be easily removed with tweezers or by pinching the tick between your fingers. If you are not able to remove the tick, contact a provider for assistance.
The black-legged tick carries lyme disease that can be transmitted to animals and humans through a bite.
Hospital officials recommend using repellent, wearing protective clothing, and conducting tick checks to prevent infections as activity rises due to warmer weather.
If an attached tick is found, remove it immediately with tweezers or seek professional help, while monitoring for symptoms like fever or rash, which typically appear within seven days.
For more information or to submit tick photos for identification, visit https://www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases/ticks.
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