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Jefferson City, MO - infoZine - Gov. Matt Blunt recently signed a proclamation naming May 2008 as "Missouri Tick-borne Disease Awareness Month" to emphasize and underscore the risk of tick-borne disease and the importance of prevention.

"The old saying 'an ounce of prevention being worth more than a pound of cure' certainly holds true when talking about tick-borne disease," says Dr. Howard Pue, State Public Health Veterinarian. He says preventing tick-borne illness is much easier than curing it. "Individuals should follow some basic measures that help prevent tick bites and the illness they can cause. Tick-borne Disease Awareness Month is a great opportunity for Missourians to be reminded that warm weather brings out ticks, and by following basic recommendations that they can prevent tick bites."

Easy, effective prevention is the key message the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is sending to Missourians during Tick-borne Disease Awareness Month.

Missouri ticks can carry a variety of microorganisms that can cause serious or even deadly disease. While not all ticks carry these microorganisms, and not all tick bites lead to illness, learning and following simple but effective prevention measures is the best way to avoid tick bites that could lead to illness:

• Reduce tick habitat around the home and avoid heavy brush and tall grass
• Keep ticks off your skin
• Perform tick checks
• Promptly remove attached ticks
• Prevent family pets from bringing ticks indoors

Pue says a common misconception about ticks is that they are only found in the countryside in deep woods, pastures or thick brush. However, ticks are probably closer than most people think and can be found in the yard of an average home, as well as in bushes and tall grass around the property. This makes it important for anyone spending time outdoors to learn how to prevent tick bites, especially families with children who play outside.

"People also need to realize that ticks can be found nearly anywhere there is grass, bushes, brush and leaf litter, including suburban backyards and city parks. So it's important to keep up your guard even if going out to do yard work or taking the kids to a soccer game," adds Pue. He says while tick-borne diseases can become serious if left untreated, there is no reason for people to dramatically change their lifestyles or panic if they find a tick attached to themselves or their child. "By following some very easy but effective prevention measures, people can protect themselves against tick-borne disease and enjoy Missouri's outdoors through the warm weather months."

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Source: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS)