Checking yourself for ticks this summer may save you a trip to the hospital.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, there have been more than 440 emergency room visits related to tick bites this year due to their ability to carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites from host to host. One kind of bacterial infection that is being seen locally, according to the Door County Public Health Department, is Anaplasmosis. Usually caused by the bite of a blacklegged tick, Anaplasmosis can cause fevers, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue, but can also lead to respiratory failure, kidney problems, and even death. 

Door County Public Health says they have seen an uptick in cases lately, and that they have led to several hospitalizations.

To protect you and your family from tick bites, you should use repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, wear light, long-sleeved clothing, shower within two hours of being outside, and conduct checks every two hours.

Picture courtesy of Pixabay and JerzyGórecki