Lyon County Health Department
420 West 15th Avenue * Emporia, KS * (620) 342-4864
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Spring has arrived and summer is approaching. Outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, yard clean up, fishing and others have increased as a result of the warmer weather.
This increased outdoor activity means an increased risk of tick bites. Some ticks transmit bacteria that cause illnesses such as Lyme Disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Deer ticks, common in the Midwest, carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. In the western United States, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is transmitted by the wood tick. Your risk of contracting one of these diseases depends on how much time you spend in wooded areas and how well you protect yourself.
In Kansas between January 1 and May 18, 2008, 31 positive rabies cases were confirmed in animals. Animals diagnosed as positive include two cats, one horse, and twenty-eight skunks. Individuals should stay away from stray animals or pets. If you have been bitten or scratched by a stray pet or wild animal, wash the wound with soap and water, and contact your physician or local health department. Animals including cats, dogs, ferrets, and valuable livestock should be vaccinated for rabies. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect illness in your animal or if you have questions about vaccinating your animals. Report stray animals to animal control (Emporia/Lyon County 620-340-6345).
