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Local officials urge residents to protect against mosquito and tick bites

The Kane County Health Department is reminding residents to take simple steps to prevent mosquito and tick bites this summer, helping reduce the risk of illnesses like West Nile virus and Lyme disease.

Author

Sam Kraft
June 26, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

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With summer returning to Kane County, the Kane County Health Department (KCHD) is reminding residents to take simple precautions to protect themselves and their families from mosquito and tick bites. Through its "Fight the Bite" campaign, KCHD is raising awareness about how to prevent the spread of West Nile virus, Lyme disease, and other vector-borne illnesses.

“Spending time outdoors is one of the best parts of summer,” said Michael Isaacson, Executive Director of the Kane County Health Department, “but it’s important to take steps to avoid bites from mosquitoes and ticks, which can carry serious diseases. Preventing bites and eliminating mosquito breeding sites are simple, effective ways to stay safe this season.”

KCHD recommends the following actions:

Mosquito bite prevention:

  1. Drain standing water around your home weekly (e.g., flower pots, gutters, old tires, kiddie pools).

  2. Use EPA-registered insect repellent (DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus).

  3. Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk.

  4. Ensure window and door screens are in good repair.

Tick bite prevention:

  1. Stay on marked trails and avoid tall grass and brush.

  2. Use tick repellent on skin and clothing.

  3. Wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks more easily.

  4. Check yourself, children, and pets for ticks after time outside.

  5. Shower soon after being outdoors to remove unattached ticks.

📖 Thanks for reading

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