Last year 194 cases of Lyme disease were reported in Iowa. The Iowa Department of Public Health is encouraging Iowans to be active outdoors while remembering to protect against ticks. Ticks can carry the cause of Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Ehrlichiosis. According to IDPH, there have been two cases of Lyme disease already this year.

The earliest sign of Lyme disease is a rash that looks like a bullseye.

To protect against contracting a tick-borne disease wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks or boots. Also, stay on trails when walking and avoid high grass. Insect repellents that contain DEET will protect against ticks, but it is not recommended on children under two months of age. Lastly, remember to check yourself, your children and pets as soon as returning home for ticks, which prefer the back of the knee, armpit, scalp, groin and back of the neck.

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