THE TICKBORNE HEARTLAND VIRUS IS SHOWING UP IN ILLINOIS…AND STATE PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN THAT TICKS ARE STILL A PROBLEM THIS TIME OF YEAR. 

 

JUST ONE CASE OF HEARTLAND INFECTION, A KANKAKEE RESIDENT, HAS BEEN CONFIRMED IN ILLINOIS SO FAR. SYMPTOMS INCLUDE FEVER, HEADACHE, MUSCLE ACHES AND DIARRHEA. THOSE AFFECTED USUALLY HAVE TO BE HOSPITALIZED AND THERE IS NO MEDICINE TO TREAT THE INFECTION. STATE VETERINARIAN DOCTOR CONNIE AUSTIN SAYS THAT’S WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM TICK BITES BY STAYING OUT OF WOODED AREAS AND TALL GRASSES.

 

 

 

PETS SHOULD ALSO BE CHECKED. AUSTIN SAYS TICKS CAN SPREAD OTHER DISEASES LIKE LYME AND ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER.