MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department is reminding residents to protect themselves and their families from tick bites as warm weather brings more people outdoors.

“Tick bites are often symptom-free and harmless,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “But if a tick is attached for more than 24 hours, you can develop symptoms like a rash, fatigue, fever, or flu-like illness. If you notice redness, swelling, signs of infection at the bite site, or a bull’s-eye–type rash, seek medical care. Symptoms can appear anytime from about three to 30 days after a bite. Current research also shows that some tick bites can trigger a delayed food allergy known as alpha-gal syndrome, which causes allergic reactions to red meat and other mammal products.”

Ticks are commonly found in bushes, grass, trees, and piles of leaves, and they can easily get on pets or people. They tend to move to warm, moist areas of the body, such as under the arms, behind the ears, along the hairline, behind the knees, and between the legs. “It is important to contact a doctor as soon as possible after a tick bite, even if you do not yet have symptoms,” Dr. Michaels said.

To help prevent tick bites, residents should:

• Wear long sleeves and long pants when walking in the woods or in grassy, brushy areas.
• Walk in the center of trails and avoid brushing against tall grass and shrubs.
• Use an EPA-registered tick repellent containing at least 20 percent DEET on exposed skin.
• Treat clothing and gear with 0.5 percent permethrin, following label directions.
• Shower or bathe within 2 hours of coming indoors.
• Check skin closely after being in tick-prone areas, especially under arms, behind ears, behind knees, between legs, and in hair, and check pets as well.

Tick-borne illnesses in Alabama include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and tularemia. Early recognition and treatment can reduce the risk of serious complications.

Visit the Alabama Department of Public Health’s tick information page on tick bite prevention strategies and tick-borne diseases in Alabama at https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/tick.