|
TAPE ON THE DOOR OF YOUR MEDICINE CABINET FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
TOMS RIVER ---Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari has issued a consumer alert
regarding the cost of deer tick testing.
Vicari advises, "Ocean County residents who are bitten by ticks and are concerned about
possible infections with Lyme disease, should be aware that the
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County and the Ocean County Health
Department will analyze for freewhat at least one company is charging
$24.95 to do."
How do you learn if you have been bitten by the female deer tick, the tick known to carry
Lyme disease bacteria?
To remove the tick, do NOT use petroleum jelly, fingernail polish, rubbing alcohol or a
hot match to make the tick "back out."
Follow these steps, remembering you want to keep the tick alive:
1. Remove the tick carefully with fine-point tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin
as possible and gently pull upward with a steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick as
this may cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. Take care not to squeeze,
crush or puncture the body of the tick as its fluids (saliva, blood, guts) may contain infectious
agents. Avoid using your fingers.
2. Place it in a small, clean, sealed, vial or plastic bag
with a damp cotton ball. Use water, not alcohol.
3. Disinfect your hands, the tweezers and the spot where the tick has bitten.
4. Take the suspect to the Rutgers Extension of Ocean County (732-349-1246) at 1623
Whitesville Rd. on the corner of Sunset Ave. If the staff determines it is a female deer tick, you
then take it to the Ocean County Health Department, (732-341-9700) across the parking lot at
175 Sunset Ave. A field representative in Disease Control will analyze the tick, usually the same
day. They will advise the resident by mail whether it is a carrier of the Lyme disease bacteria.
Vicari states, "I want to avoid any Ocean County residents paying for a service their
government is ready to provide at no charge." |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE bws #70 03/31/00
to the Ocean County News Page