Local health officials are encouraging residents and visitors to take precautions against tick bites this spring and summer as outdoor recreation increases and reports of tick activity emerge across parts of the state.
Nicole Stone with Gunnison County Health and Human Services reports that the tick season in Colorado is early due to a mild winter and advises outdoor enthusiasts and others who spend time outdoors to exercise vigilance.
Stone encourages people who has a tick on themselves or a pet to, "Carefully use fine-tipped tweezers to remove them near their head and double bag them and submit the insect to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE.) The department has a Colorado Citizen Scientist Tick Submission Form people can fill out and receive an identification number and then mail the critter to the CDPHE medical entomology department in Denver. Stone advised against using folk remedies such as petroleum jelly, or heat to detach ticks.
In an interview with the Gunnison Valley Times, Monica White, President and Co-Founder of the Salida-based Colorado Tick-Borne Disease Awareness Association, said, "We have a nationwide trend; we are seeing ticks earlier and in higher numbers." She said the state medical epidemiologist, Chris Roundy, is reporting the same early and robust tick bloom this year.
While Colorado is not considered a hotspot for tick-borne diseases compared with states in the Northeast and Upper Midwest, awareness remains important because several tick species found in the state can transmit illnesses to humans and animals. Mild winter conditions have contributed to an early tick season.
The Rocky Mountain wood tick, one of the most common ticks in Colorado, can carry Colorado tick fever, a viral disease that can cause fever, chills, headaches, and muscle aches. Although infections remain relatively uncommon, public health officials say prevention is the best way to reduce risk.
Coloradans should still take steps to protect themselves whenever they spend time outdoors.
Ticks are most active during the warmer months, particularly from spring through early summer. They are commonly found in grassy fields, brush-covered areas and along hiking trails where they can attach to passing animals or people. They can also be found in vacation homes where rodents may have resided during the off season.
Colorado's extensive network of parks, forests and recreation areas attracts millions of visitors each year. The increase in outdoor activities during warmer weather creates more opportunities for encounters with ticks.
Researchers are also studying how environmental changes may affect tick populations in western states. Some scientists believe that warming temperatures and shifting weather patterns could influence where ticks can survive and reproduce, although the long-term effects remain under investigation.
Lower-elevation grasslands and foothill regions generally present the highest likelihood of tick encounters, according to experts. However, officials caution that ticks can be found in a variety of outdoor environments across the state.
In Colorado, the Rocky Mountain wood tick is most active of the 30 species found in the state. Colorado tick fever is the most common tick-transmitted disease. Despite its name, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is rare here, according to Colorado State University Extension.
Pet owners need to stay alert. Dogs frequently pick up ticks while walking through tall grass or brush, increasing the possibility of bringing the parasites into homes.
Routine tick checks and preventive treatments are important for pets, especially during peak tick season, protecting animals can also help reduce exposure for their owners.
Both Stone and White emphasize that prevention is essential and recommend several preventive measures for people spending time outdoors. Wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent approved by federal health authorities, and staying on established trails can help reduce the risk of a tick bite. Experts also recommend avoiding direct contact with tall grass and dense vegetation whenever possible.
After returning indoors, people should carefully inspect themselves, their children and their pets for ticks. Ticks often attach in hard-to-see areas such as the scalp, behind the ears, under the arms and around the waist.
Although most tick bites do not result in illness, individuals should monitor their health after a tick bite. Those experiencing symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headaches, or unexplained aches after a tick bite should visit a healthcare provider.
The presence of ticks should not discourage people from enjoying Colorado's outdoors. Simple precautions can greatly reduce the risk of bites and help keep recreation safe.
As summer approaches and trail traffic increases, Stone recommends hikers, campers, and pet owners remain alert. A quick tick check at the end of the day can be one of the most effective tools for preventing illness and making sure that time spent outdoors remains enjoyable. Remember to check yourself, your pets, and all gear that has been outside.
Treating clothing with the insecticide permethrin and using an EPA-registered natural or chemical repellent.
For many Coloradans, outdoor recreation is a way of life. Health experts say that with awareness and preparation, residents can continue to enjoy the state's mountains, grasslands, and forests while lowering the risks of tick exposure. Those working outdoors should employ the same precautions and be tick-aware.
An excellent resource is the website of the Colorado Tick-Borne Disease Awareness Association at www.coloradoticks.org
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