MANITOWOC / DOOR COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – As warmer weather draws people outdoors and along with them, ticks Manitowoc County Health Department is offering free tick–removal kits, while Door County warns of a concerning surge in tick–borne infections.
The Manitowoc County Health Department is distributing complementary tick kits, which include:
- Illustrated guide “How to Remove a Tick”
- Alcohol swab and adhesive bandage
- Disposable tweezers
- 30% DEET repellent wipe
- Sealable bag for storing ticks
Residents can pick one up during regular hours at the Health Department in Manitowoc.
Just over in Door County, public health officials report a recent uptick in anaplasmosis, a bacterial illness from tick bites with flu‑like symptoms. Last week alone, eight new cases emerged, including five hospitalization.
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Health officials with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommend simple prevention steps:
- Wear long, light‑colored clothing and tuck pants into socks.
- Apply EPA‑approved repellents like DEET or picaridin to both skin and clothing.
- Stick to groomed trails and avoid tall grass.
- After being outdoors, shower and thoroughly check for ticks, especially behind ears, in hairlines, under arms and knees, and around the waist.
- Remove attached ticks carefully using tweezers (no burning or smushing), then cleanse the area.
- Save the tick for identification if illness develops, and watch for symptoms like fever, rash, or fatigue within 30 days.
Pick up a free tick kit in Manitowoc, prepare well before heading outdoors, and promptly remove any ticks found. If symptoms appear after a bite, consult your doctor, but don’t panic. Early detection and antibiotic treatment usually lead to quick recovery.
