LIMA — Allen County Public Health is investigating probable cases of West Nile virus and Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness.
Symptoms for Lyme disease typically appear three to 32 days after tick bites, during which a person may develop a red, ring-like rash, fever, headaches, fatigue, join pain, swelling, nausea and Bell’s Palsy, or temporary facial paralysis.
The health department urges anyone who develops these symptoms to seek prompt medical attention, particularly those who have recently visited brush or wooded areas.
Use EPA-registered tick repellants and wear light-colored long-sleeve shirts and pants to prevent tick bites when visiting wooded areas, and check pets, coats and backpacks for ticks when returning home.
West Nile virus, spread by mosquitos, causes symptoms in only one of five people who become infected, who may experience headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash that can last for one week.
While most people who contract the virus recover, fatigue and weakness can persist for weeks or months. People who develop these symptoms should see a medical provider.
To prevent the virus, the health department suggests dumping standing water, using EPA-approved insect repellants and wearing light-colored long-sleeve shirts and pants while outdoors when possible.
Mosquitos are most active at sunrise and sunset and are prone to breed in standing water.
