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Ohio Officials Say Tick-Borne Lyme Disease Still a Threat
By: Associated Press
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – The Ohio Department of Health says hunters and those trekking in wooded areas should use bug spray and take other precautions even in cold weather to prevent being infected with tick-borne Lyme disease.
The state agency reports that 241 cases of Lyme disease have been reported in 60 of Ohio’s 88 counties this year. The number of cases has risen steadily the last five years, with 160 reported last year after only 93 in 2013.
Lyme disease is passed to humans by deer ticks and can cause flu-like illnesses, muscle pain and headaches. A rash shaped like a bull’s-eye is often seen around tick bites.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources recommends people walk in the middle of trails and tuck in clothing to prevent bites.