Beware of Diseases Spread by Ticks!

 

In the wilderness, ticks carry viruses and microorganisms called “rickettsia” that cause diseases. Bites from infected ticks can result in the following diseases.

 

Japanese Spotted Fever (Nihon Kohan Netsu)

Common symptoms: fatigue, high fever, headache, muscle pain, rash

 

Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (Jusho Nessei Kesshoban Gensho Shokogun)

Common symptoms: gastrointestinal distress(loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain)

 

The number of ticks in the wilderness is highest from the beginning of spring to the end of autumn.

When entering the wilderness for work or leisure, keep the following in mind.

 

１．Keep covered up by wearing long sleeved clothing, long pants, and gloves.

２．Use insect repellent containing the chemical DEET. This should be done in addition to minimizing skin exposure.

３．Be sure to remove any ticks on your clothing and body by brushing or slapping them off after you return from the wooded areas or areas with tall grass.

４．While showering or bathing, check for ticks that you didn’t notice before.

５．If you find a tick attached to you, cover the bite area with Vaseline. After 20 minutes, use gauze to grab the tick by its head and remove by pulling the tick away from the skin. If this method does not work, carefully grip the head of the tick with tweezers and pull away from the skin carefully to remove. If you have difficulty removing a tick that has attached itself to you, seek medical attention immediately.

 

If you show any of the symptoms mentioned above, seek medical attention immediately!

Tick-borne diseases can be LIFE THREATENING and require IMMEDIATE medical care.