BRANFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — The East Shore Health District issued a new warning for high levels of ticks and Lyme disease this year.
The department reported that there has been an increase in tick populations and an increase of ticks that have tested positive for Lyme disease and Babesiosis.
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station reported there was a significant increase in acorns last fall which can cause a rapid increase in mice populations.
Mice are known to carry Lyme disease and ticks.
The public is urged to assist the department by sending ticks to the Agricultural Experiment Station for testing. Residents are asked to carefully remove the tick with tweezers by pulling straight up off the skin and putting the tick in a sealable bag.
Residents can bring their ticks to the department’s office at 688 East Main St. in Branford to be sent off for testing.
The department also provided ways to reduces the risk of tick bites this season:
- Check yourself for ticks after being outdoors
- Use bug repellant with DEET
- Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts
- After spending time outdoors, shower with a loofah
Anyone who is bitten by a tick should monitor their symptoms and send it to their municipal health department.
More information can be found on the department’s website.
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