Tick Talk
By: Dr. Eric Sensenbrenner The days are longer, birdsong fills the sky, and pops of color appear from various flowering plants. Spring is here, and like me, you may find yourself returning to more frequent outdoor activities. While you are enjoying a hike at Crowder’s Mountain or a day at the Whitewater Center, there is an important health risk of which to be aware. Tickborne illnesses are more commonly seen in the spring and summer months, but ticks can be out looking for hosts anytime the temperature is above freezing. These illnesses occur when bacteria carried by ticks are transferred to humans (and pets) through tick bites. Ticks are small 8-legged arachnids (spider relative) with flat, soft bodies that engorge with blood after feeding. Interestingly, Rock Mountain...
