What WE Know: The Webster County Health Unit is encouraging residents to spend a few minutes learning how to pro tect themselves from ticks this summer.
The Health Unit has launched a free online program that takes about 10 minutes to complete. It covers ways to prevent tick bites, recognize the signs of tick-borne illnesses, and better understand Alpha-Gal Syndrome, a meat allergy linked to bites from the lone star tick.
What It Means: Anyone who completes the online training can stop by the Webster County Health Unit to pick up a free Tick Prevention Kit while supplies last.
The kits include tick repellent, tweezers, a lint roller for removing small ticks from clothing, and information on proper tick removal.
“Ticks are a part of life in Missouri, but there are simple steps people can take to reduce their risk of tick bites and the diseases they can carry,” said Louise Bigley, health education supervisor for the Webster County Health Unit.
What’s Next: The Health Unit encourages anyone who works or spends time outdoors, including hikers, hunters and gardeners, to complete the training and learn how to reduce their risk.
The online course is available at surveymonkey.com/r/tickprevent. For more information, call the Webster County Health Unit at 417-859-2532.
(Photo provided by Webster County Health Unit