By Justin George
Camera Staff Writer

Springtime means ticks, and Boulder County officials would like to inform residents of the dangers posed by the disease-carrying insects and of methods to detect them.

Although reporting the rare disease is no longer officially required, three cases of Colorado tick fever were reported in Colorado last year.

Two cases of relapsing fever and two cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever also were reported in the state, but no reported cases of Lyme disease originated in Colorado, county health officials said. All of those diseases can be transmitted by ticks.

Although risks are low, hikers, climbers and bikers should stay vigilant because ticks are "out there," said Lynette Anderson, interpretive specialist for the Boulder County Parks and Open Space Department.

Ticks begin emerging in late March and early April and tend to concentrate on sunny, south-facing slopes, grassy areas and places that have low-brush vegetation.

Colorado tick fever is the most common tick-borne disease and is often confused with the flu because symptoms are similar, county officials said. Symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle aches and fatigue. There is no specific treatment or vaccine for the disease.

The fever could lead to encephalitis, heart problems, or severe bleeding.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is characterized by a severe rash, headaches, chills and fever. Symptoms begin appearing three to 10 days after the tick bite.

To avoid tick-borne diseases, a few precautionary measures should be taken, officials said.

Apply insect repellent containing Deet, especially on ankles and legs.

Conduct periodic head-to-toe tick checks once in the woods, paying particular attention to the neck area hidden by hair. Pets should also be checked thoroughly. It takes several hours of feeding before an infected tick can successfully transmit a disease to the host.

Ticks should be removed with a pair of tweezers or fingers covered with tissue. Make sure to wash the bite out with soap and water.

Other methods of removal, such as matches, gasoline or fingernail polish, are not recommended. This could cause the tick to regurgitate into the wound, increasing the risk of viral transmission.

Anderson said other prevention tips include avoiding forested or grassy areas when hiking.

"If people stay on the trail, the chances of getting ticks are a lot less," she said.

People should also wear light-colored clothing, Anderson said, so they can better notice the rusty-red, match-head sized insects when they land. Hikers should consider tucking their pants into boots or socks, she said.

For more information, including free pamphlets on tick-borne diseases, contact Gabi Hoefler, environmental health specialist, at the Boulder County Health Department, (303) 441-1147.

Contact Justin George at (303) 473-1359 or georgej@thedailycamera.com.

May 27, 2002

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