Free tick kits amid rising tick-borne illnesses in Northeast Wisconsin
The Manitowoc County Health Department is distributing complementary tick kits, which include:
Illustrated guide 'How to Remove a Tick'
Alcohol swab and adhesive bandage
Disposable tweezers
30% DEET repellent wipe
Sealable bag for storing ticks
Residents can pick one up during regular hours at the Health Department in Manitowoc.
Just over in Door County, public health officials report a recent uptick in anaplasmosis, a bacterial illness from tick bites with flu‑like symptoms. Last week alone, eight new cases emerged, including five hospitalization.
City of Green Bay seeks community ideas for St. John's Park revamp
Health officials with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommend simple prevention steps:
Wear long, light‑colored clothing and tuck pants into socks.
Apply EPA‑approved repellents like DEET or picaridin to both skin and clothing.
Stick to groomed trails and avoid tall grass.
After being outdoors, shower and thoroughly check for ticks, especially behind ears, in hairlines, under arms and knees, and around the waist.
Remove attached ticks carefully using tweezers (no burning or smushing), then cleanse the area.
Save the tick for identification if illness develops, and watch for symptoms like fever, rash, or fatigue within 30 days.
Pick up a free tick kit in Manitowoc, prepare well before heading outdoors, and promptly remove any ticks found. If symptoms appear after a bite, consult your doctor, but don't panic. Early detection and antibiotic treatment usually lead to quick recovery.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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