FROM THE LANGLADE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

With warmer weather and the unofficial start of summer, many Wisconsin residents are looking ahead to
spending more time outdoors. Langlade County Health Department wants to help everyone avoid tick and
mosquito bites and associated illnesses this season.

“We know that ticks and mosquitoes can be pesky when enjoying outdoor activities but even worse, bites
from either can make you very sick,” said Meghan Williams, Health Officer, Langlade County Health
Department. “Residents can protect themselves and their families by following simple steps before, during
and after being outdoors.”

Lyme disease, spread by ticks and West Nile virus, spread by mosquitoes are the most common diseases
spread by these pests in Wisconsin. Wisconsin is in the top 20% of states reporting high numbers of
illnesses spread by ticks in the country. According to the 2019 Wisconsin Environmental Health Profile,
Langlade County residents are infected by Lyme disease at a crude rate of 67.9 people per every 100,000
people. Compare this to Wisconsin’s average of 51.7 people per 100,000 people.

Illnesses spread by mosquitoes are rare in Wisconsin, and most infections lead to mild symptoms or no
symptoms at all. However, in a small number of people, an infection can lead to serious illness. Between
2015-2019 there were an average of 22 human cases per year of West Nile virus reported.

Below are some of the ways that people can protect themselves from illnesses spread by ticks and
mosquitoes:
• Wear EPA registered repellent with 20% or more DEET and apply according to label instructions.
• Wear light colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
• Avoid tick heavy areas such as long grass, and tall brushes.
• Avoid being outdoors during the times of heavy mosquito activity (dawn and dusk).
• Do a tick check when coming indoors and make sure to check pets as well.
• Tumble dry clothes on high for 10 minutes to kill any ticks on your clothes.
• Take steps to control mosquitoes outside your home.

For more information about Langlade County Health Department’s programs and services, visit
https://www.co.langlade.wi.us/departments/health-department/ or like us on Facebook.