Tiny nymph-stage deer ticks that carry the bacteria live in woods, tall grass and brush. They are most active in early summer and are hard to see when they bite children.
To prevent bites, shower after outdoor activities and do a nightly tick check on the ears, under the arms, around the waist, behind the knees and on the scalp. Remove ticks with fine tweezers by pulling upward. Use DEET repellent and consider permethrin-treated clothing. Watch for a spreading red rash or fever three to thirty days after a bite and see a doctor quickly. Antibiotics can treat Lyme disease in children.
Difficult words
- nymph — young stage of some insects before adultnymph-stage
- bacterium — a very small living thing that causes infectionbacteria
- tweezer — small metal tool used to pull or holdtweezers
- repellent — a substance that keeps insects or animals away
- scalp — skin on the top of the head
- antibiotic — medicine that kills bacteria and cures infectionsAntibiotics
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Discussion questions
- Have you ever found a tick on yourself or a child? What did you do?
- Which places on the body will you check each night for ticks?
- What other actions could you take to avoid tick bites in the woods?
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