As the weather warms up, the Tennessee Department of Health is urging residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors safely by taking proactive steps to prevent tick bites and the serious illnesses they can carry. Tennessee Health Commissioner Dr. John Dunn emphasizes that while spring is an ideal time for outdoor recreation, it is also peak season for risks like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, and alpha-gal syndrome.

To stay protected, officials recommend staying on designated trails in grassy or wooded areas and treating outdoor gear with 0.5% permethrin, which kills ticks on contact. Additionally, applying EPA-approved repellents containing ingredients like DEET or Picaridin to the skin can significantly reduce exposure.

Upon returning indoors, it is crucial to perform a thorough tick check on your body, hair, and clothing, and to shower within two hours to wash away any unattached ticks. While many tick-borne diseases cause flu-like symptoms that can be treated with antibiotics if caught early, State Epidemiologist Dr. Mary-Margaret Fill notes that prevention remains the most effective strategy. If left untreated, these pathogens can progress into serious health complications, making these simple behavioral precautions a vital part of any outdoor excursion.