One downside of the improving weather is the return of mosquitoes and the black-legged tick. It carries Lyme disease and it's spreading across the state.
Cases of Lyme disease have increased 500% in Michigan in the last 17 years. Physician assistant Troy Thielen at McLaren Greater Lansing Primary Care says symptoms include a rash near a tick bite, neck stiffness, weakness, muscle or joint pain, swollen lymph nodes and a fever or chills.
If the disease isn't treated it can cause heart palpitations, inflammation of the brain and spinal cord and loss of muscle control. If you experience any of those symptoms, see a doctor. Lyme disease can kill you if left unchecked.
Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics. They may need to be given through an IV in serious cases.
The best way to prevent tick bites is to take precautions before and after you're in the woods or a field. Wear long-sleeve shirts tucked into your pants, and have your pants tucked into your socks. Use a strong insect repellent with Deet and wear light-colored clothes so the ticks can be spotted easily.
