Letter from the Director of Health
All residents of New Milford should be aware that Lyme and other tick-borne diseases are common afflictions. Ticks are abundant in our Town and in other wooded and suburban areas throughout the State of Connecticut and the Region. The life cycle of adult ticks is supported by deer, which are also abundant in our area. In addition to Lyme disease, the prevention information also applies to the other common tick-borne diseases, which include Anaplasmosis, Ehrilichiosis and Babesiosis. These Diseases (with the exception of Ehrilichiosis) are all transmitted by the bite of an infected black-legged or deer tick (Ixodes scapularis). Ehrlichiosis is primarily transmitted by the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum).
Tick-borne disease can be very serious. For Lyme disease, research studies have shown that an infected tick must be attached to the skin for more than 24 hours to transmit Lyme bacteria. However every tick bite should be monitored closely for 3-30 days to look for any signs or symptoms that may develop. Remove ticks immediately using the proper removal method (click here to see proper tick removal).
Reducing exposure to ticks and being aware of the possible affects of tick-borne disease are the keys to prevention. The New Milford Health Department can provide you with some simple yet comprehensive prevention strategies. Follow the BLAST methods to protect yourself and your family.
Sincerly,
Mike Crespan
Dirctor of Health