Rocky Mountain Wood Tick/ AP
Tick-borne illnesses are on the rise because of hot and humid temperatures across the Southeast.
The Tennessee Health Department reports there are 304 cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, a tick-born illness, across the state this year. There were 255 cases in all during 2011.
Doctors say ticks are a problem for children this year. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can be very dangerous if left untreated.
The state health department is encouraging parents to frequently check their children for ticks and symptoms of tick-borne diseases.
If you find a tick on yourself or your child, remove the bug immediately and make sure you get all of its parts, especially the head.
It's important to know that ticks don't always attach to the body. Sometimes the drop off after they feed. Therefore it's important to know all the symptoms of tick-borne illnesses.
Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses:
- Fever
- Headache
- Rash
- Sensitivity to light.
Tips to prevent ticks:
- Wear light-colored clothing to help spot ticks
- Tuck pants into socks in wooded areas to keep ticks off your legs
- Wear tick repellants