FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 2, 2009

Take safety precautions over July 4th weekend

Area health departments urge safe behavior over the holiday weekend. As the weather is expected to be cooler after the recent heat wave, more people will be spending time outdoors. With more time outside comes increased risk of exposure to tick and mosquito-borne illnesses and to sun damage. Many will also celebrate the holiday with fireworks.

“We want people to enjoy the holiday weekend, whether they travel or stay home,” said Jim Kelly, director of the Jackson County Health Department. “However, it is important that they also take steps to protect themselves from fireworks burns and from overexposure to the UV rays in sunlight and to illnesses spread by ticks and mosquitoes.”

Ticks and mosquitoes can spread illnesses like West Nile virus, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, Lyme or Lyme-like disease and Tularemia. These illnesses, if not diagnosed and treated promptly, can have life-threatening effects. Likewise, overexposure to ultraviolet rays in sunlight results in sunburns, and repeated or long-term overexposure can cause lip or skin cancer or eye conditions like cataracts.

Simple steps people can take to protect themselves from the discomfort or illnesses associated with sun damage and tick or mosquito bites include:

• Use an insect repellent with DEET or picaridin on exposed skin.
• Wear sun screen and lip protection, at least SPF 15.
• Wear eye protection, such as wrap-around sunglasses with UV ray protection.
• Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves, long pants and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Avoid walking through dense brush or tall grass where ticks may perch, waiting to attach to a host.
• Avoid areas where untreated water is standing.
• When possible, spend time in the shade.
• Remember that midday activities may increase risk of sun exposure, while mosquitoes tend to be more active around dawn or dusk.

Light-colored clothing can make it easier to spot ticks before they attach to your skin. Tucking your pant-legs into socks or boots can also make it more difficult for them to reach your skin.

If you plan to set off fireworks, check with your city or county first to make sure fireworks are legal; if so, use caution with storing, lighting and viewing them. An adult should always be present. Take time to review the National Council of Fireworks Safety Web site: www.fireworksafety.com.

Taking these simple steps can protect you from the harmful effects of tick and mosquito bites and sun exposure. For more information on outdoor safety, contact your local health department.

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