Paducah health experts warn of tick-borne illnesses, offer prevention advice

PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — As summer weather arrives, outdoor enthusiasts are being reminded to take precautions against insect bites and tick-borne illnesses.

According to Kelly Sowers, an advanced practice registered nurse at Baptist Health Paducah Urgent Care, being aware of the risks associated with insect bites is crucial to staying healthy during the summer months.

“To enjoy the outdoors safely, families should know how to identify insect bites, recognize symptoms of illness and take preventive measures,” Sowers said.

Baptist Health is offering guidance on identifying insect bites, recognizing symptoms and taking preventive steps, particularly when it comes to ticks.

Common signs of tick bites include:

— A small red bump or rash at the bite site
— A bullseye-shaped rash, often linked to Lyme disease
— Swelling or discomfort that worsens over time

To reduce the risk of tick bites, experts recommend:

— Wearing long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas
— Using insect repellent with DEET or another EPA-approved ingredient
— Showering soon after being outside
— Checking the body and clothing for ticks after spending time outdoors
— Keeping yards trimmed and removing leaf buildup where ticks may hide

Individuals who develop symptoms such as fever, rash, joint pain, fatigue or irregular heartbeat after a bite or spending time in areas where ticks are common should contact a healthcare provider.