Rising Tick Numbers In Louisiana Call For Outdoor Caution

(KMDL-FM) If you Google the question "When is tick season in Louisiana," you will find out that we are always in "tick season" along the bayou. Tick activity in Louisiana usually peaks from late May through early October, but there is never a time when those who visit the outdoors shouldn't be concerned about ticks, at least in Louisiana.

But recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention seems to suggest that Louisiana, the nation in general, should be preparing for a major uptick, no pun intended, in tick activity. Several states have reported the highest rates of "tick incidents" over the past ten years, just in the past few weeks.

What Are the Dangers of a Tick Bite in Louisiana?

We have reported details to you about the Asian Longhorned Tick and its spread across the Gulf South, including Louisiana. The creatures, through their bites, can introduce diseases to their victims. You're probably familiar with Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Those are just two of the many medical maladies a tick bite can introduce to a human being.

Since many Louisiana residents enjoy time in the outdoors, tick prevention is nothing new. But if you aren't sure what to do to prevent a tick "attack". Okay, it's usually not a swarm of them, but remember, like a hurricane, it only takes one to really mess up your summer.

READ MORE: Invasive Tick Species a Growing Concern in Louisiana

The Louisiana Department of Health has produced this helpful document to educate on tick bite prevention. Among the suggestions by LDH, know where to expect ticks, learn what repellents actually work, what proper clothing is, and where to look on your body for a possible tick attachment. Those places include under the arms, around the ears, in the belly button, and between the legs.

The website Mywild.report offers Louisiana outdoor lovers an interactive view of where tick activity is currently being reported. You simply enter your ZIP code, and you'll get a breakdown of the current tick risk in your area.

I entered 70506 for the Lafayette area and 70605 for the Lake Charles area and found the tick risk, according to the site, was a 6.7 out of 10. The tick risk in Shreveport was listed as 5.9 out of 10 for zip code 71101.

In general, we found the "tick risk" to be 6.7 along I-10 and a little bit lower along I-20. In CENLA, the Alexandria area, if you will, the tick risk was closer to that of southern Louisiana than that of the northern parishes.

READ MORE: Experts Predict Massive Mosquito Season for Louisiana

Tick-related illnesses usually show signs or symptoms within weeks of a tick bite. The victim might experience fever, a rash, chills, fatigue, or muscle and joint pain. The appearance of any of these symptoms after a confirmed tick bite warrants a visit to an urgent care facility or your primary care physician.

Tick Bite Causes Fatal Allergic Reaction to Red Meat

Did you know one of the aftereffects of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is a syndrome that can cause an allergy to red meat and other animal products? I can't even imagine trying to live in Louisiana with those kinds of dietary restrictions. But that's me. You might feel differently about meat, but we certainly should share the same opinion about ticks; we just don't need them to be biting us.