A new joint initiative has launched to keep Illinois residents and visitors safe from tick-borne illnesses.

The Illinois Lyme Association (ILA), in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), has developed and released educational “Be Tick Aware” park posters and trail signs, which are now available to parks and recreational areas statewide.

The campaign is designed to raise awareness about ticks and the potential illnesses they may carry, including Lyme disease, by sharing simple prevention tips that outdoor enthusiasts, families, and pet owners can easily incorporate into their outdoor routines.

“Ticks are part of our natural landscape, especially during the warmer months,” said Jennifer Russell, founder of the Illinois Lyme Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. “By working with our state partners, we’re helping people take a few simple steps that can make their time outside safer and more enjoyable.”

The educational signs and posters feature clear, practical advice, such as:

• wearing light-colored clothing

• using EPA-registered insect repellents

• staying on marked trails and avoiding tall grass

• conducting quick tick checks after outdoor activities

• recognizing early symptoms of tick-borne diseases

 “Tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease can cause severe illness, especially if untreated,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra.

The importance of Lyme awareness

“Anyone who spends time in wooded areas or brush should be sure to check for ticks every few hours and remove any that you find. It is important to remember to check yourself, children, and pets for ticks.

“If you experience common symptoms of tick-borne illnesses — such as fever, rash, sweats, chills, muscle aches, nausea or vomiting — see your healthcare provider immediately and let them know about tick exposure so that you can obtain testing and treatment that can prevent serious illness. We appreciate ILA’s efforts to help us get this important information out to the public.”

Illinois offers an array of outdoor experiences year-round, which makes collaborative campaigns such as “Be Tick Aware” vital to providing knowledge to residents and visitors to explore the state’s parks and trails safely.

“IDNR encourages the public to enjoy Illinois state parks and outdoor recreational activities,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “Being mindful of ticks when spending time outdoors is the smart and safe way to experience nature.”

Funded in part by Illinois Lyme Association Grant LI-22-008, the campaign reflects a growing commitment across both public and nonprofit sectors to improve education about Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases in Illinois.

Signs are available at no cost to qualifying parks, nature centers, and community organizations throughout the state.

To learn more about the campaign or request signs for your site, visit:

https://www.illymeassociation.org/request-trail-signs

You may also contact us at:

 info@illymeassociation.org

 Additional information on ticks and tick-borne disease can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

 Legislators, public officials, and community leaders are encouraged to help share this initiative with their constituents.

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