Before you hit the parks and trails, listen up: Tick season is here and with it added concern. Experts said rare, tick-borne diseases like Powassan are on the rise.
According to the CDC, new tick-borne diseases have been discovered in recent years and the geographic ranges are also increasing.
"The ticks have over-wintered and they'll be out to bite us," said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease doctor at Vanderbilt University Hospital.
He said warmer winters lead to an increase in ticks and the risk for serious diseases is there. So use tick repellent even on the outside of your clothing.
"After you come back from being outside do a tick check. Have someone else look around your hair line, and you yourself look under your arms, around your belt, behind your knees and your groin. But you'll have to get someone else look at your hair and your back," said Dr. Schaffner.
So what should you do if one latches on?
"You take a tissue, grasp the tick very firmly and pull gently and perpendicular to your skin," he said.
Most infected people will never show symptoms, but if you do, it'll be about a week after the bite and you'll probably have a headache and a fever. If you are feeling unwell, Dr. Schaffner said, tell your healthcare provider if you have been out in the woods.
