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Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease Resources

Lyme disease awareness month

The following resources can be used for outreach and awarene​ss about Lyme disease. Key times for awareness include:

  • S​​pring months, when nymphal blacklegged ticks (which are more likely to spread Lyme disease) are most active in California

  • Lyme Disease Awareness Month (May)

Educational Materials

​​Email VBDS@cdph.ca.gov to request print copies (while supplies last)

Social Media Messaging

Share the following images and messages on social media. ​

Click an imag​e to view and download (right-click and select “Save image as”) ​​

Awareness – Learn About Lyme

Lyme disease can start with flu-like symptoms and a painless rash.

​​Suggested message: ​

​​You can get Lyme disease through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. Signs and sy​​mptoms like a rash, fever, chills, and muscle pain can begin 3 to 30 days after a tick bite. If you feel sick after spending time in grassy or brushy areas with ticks (even if you don’t remember being bitten), see a doctor.

Learn more: ​​go.cdph.ca.gov/LymeDisease

​​#LymeDiseaseAwareness​ 
#LearnAboutLyme​

Ticks can spread Lyme disease
Ticks can spread Lyme disease

Suggested message: ​

​​​​Lyme disease is caused by a tick bite. If you’re concerned about Lyme disease, talk to your doctor about:

  • ​​Any​ new lumps, bumps, or changes on your skin
  • Recent outdoor activity and travel
  • Your pets that spend time outdoors

Blacklegged ticks in California and the eastern U.S. can spread Lyme disease, but you might not al​ways know if you’ve been bitten.

Learn more: go.cdph.ca.gov/LymeDisease​​

​​#LymeDiseaseAwareness
#LearnAboutLyme
 
Tiny ticks can cause a big problem.

Suggested messages: ​

​​Most people who get Lyme disease are infected by tiny, nymphal blacklegged ticks, which are more common in the spring and early summer. These ticks are often found outdoors in leafy areas and on rocks and logs where people and pets like to explore. Learn more about ticks and how to protect yourself from Lyme disease:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC
/Pages/TickBorneDiseasePrevention.aspx​

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Most people who get Lyme disease are infected by tiny, nymphal blacklegged ticks, which are more common in the spring and early summer. Best way to protect yourself? Use EPA-registered tick repellent: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Tick-Repellent.aspx

​​#LymeDiseaseAwareness
​​​​#LearnAboutLyme

EPA-registered repellent works to prevent ticks bites and Lyme disease.

Suggested message: 

​The ticks that transmit Lyme disease are found in California, the Midwest, and along the East Coast. If you’re traveling in any of these areas, be prepare​​d for ticks when you go outdoors:

  • ​Apply tick repellent from the waist down.
  • Check for ticks after spending time in grassy areas and sitting on rocks or logs.
  • Shower soon after returning indoors to wash away any ticks.

Learn more about Lyme disease: go.cdph.ca.gov/LymeDisease

​​#LymeDiseaseAwareness
#LearnAboutLyme

Know before you go to the East Coast, Midwest, and Northern California

Suggested message: 

​​Lyme disease is most common in the northeastern U.S. and Upper Midwest. Many Californians are infected while traveling outside the state. Before you travel, know your risk of Lyme disease and learn about tick habitat so you can be prepared: go.cdph.ca.gov/LymeDisease

​#LymeDiseaseAwareness
#LearnAboutLyme


Prevention – Time to Prevent Lyme

Use tick repellent to keep ticks off you.Use tick repellent to keep ticks off you.

​​Suggested message: ​​

​​​Protect yourself from tick bites and Lyme disease by using EPA-registered tick repellent. Spray repellent (with an active ingredient like DEET) on your legs, ankles, and shoes – ticks usually crawl onto you from the grass or from rocks and logs.
Learn more: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Tick-Repellent.aspx

​​#LymeDiseaseAwareness ​
#PreventLyme


Found an attached tick? Remove it with tweezers.

​​Suggested message: ​

​​The BEST way to prevent Lyme disease is to keep ticks off you. When spending time outdoors in areas with tall grass, rocks, and logs, check your clothes and body often for any hitch-hiking ticks. Find a tick on you? Brush it off. Find a tick attached to your skin? Remove it right away with tweezers.
Learn how: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC
/Pages/TickBorneDiseasePrevention.aspx#bitten

​​#LymeDiseaseAwareness ​
#PreventLyme
Pack and use tick repellent when you travel.

​Suggested message: ​

​Ticks that transmit Lyme disease are found throughout the U.S. If you’re traveling to the East Coast or Upper Midwest, remember to pack and use tick repellent during your trip. Lyme disease is more common in these regions, but you can help protect yourself with repellent: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Tick-Repellent.aspx​​

​​#LymeDiseaseAwa​reness ​
#PreventLyme
Check your pets for ticks.

​Suggested messages: ​​

​​Pets can pick up ticks during walks, hikes, or even in your backyard. Ticks that hitch a ride into your home can find and bite you. Certain ticks in California can transmit Lyme disease when they bite. Lyme disease can be serious and can make both people and pets sick. How to stay safe?

  • ​Always check your pets for ticks after they spend time outdoors.

  • Find a tick? Remove it with tweezers and flush it down the toilet.

  • Talk to your veterinarian about tick control products that are right for your pets.

Learn ​more about Lyme disease in California: go.cdph.ca.gov/LymeDisease

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Make sure to check your pets for ticks after they spend time outdoors. Why? Pets can carry ticks into your home, and certain ticks in California can transmit Lyme disease when they bite. Lyme disease can be serious and can make both people and pets sick. ​​​go.cdph.ca.gov/LymeDisease

​​#LymeDiseaseAwareness ​
#PreventLyme​


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