 Friday, July 7, 2023
Protect yourself from tick bites and diseases
 Tick exposure occurs year-round, but is more common in the warmer months of the year from April to September. The three most common tickborne illnesses in Jefferson County include ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) and Lyme disease.
People with ehrlichiosis will often have fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and sometimes an upset stomach. RMSF is a bacterial disease spread through the bite of an infected tick. Most people who get sick with RMSF will have a fever, headache, and rash. RMSF can be deadly if not treated early with the right antibiotic.
People with Lyme disease usually get an expanding red rash that sometimes resembles a bullseye. If left untreated, the infection can spread and cause rashes in other parts of the body. Some people may develop nerve problems, arthritis, or other disorders. But even if Lyme disease isn’t caught until later stages, most people fully recover after treatment with antibiotics.
To protect you and your family from tickborne illness, remember to treat gear and clothing with repellents before going outdoors. Once you have completed outdoor activities, check your body and any pets for ticks. Shower or bathe as soon as possible and wash and dry clothing at high heat.
The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) has a "Spot a Tick and Share Program." If you find a tick, please fill out this form. LMPHW will identify the type of tick and also test the tick for diseases, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme and ehrlichiosis.
How to remove a tick:
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Follow these steps to learn how to safely remove a tick.
- Safely remove it and place it in an air-tight container. Plastic Ziplock baggies are not an acceptable container.
- Add in rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to the container, enough to fully cover the tick.
- Label the container with your name and contact information and drop off the tick with a completed submission form to our office at 400 E. Gray St., Louisville, Ky, 40202.
For more information about ticks, please visit our Mosquito and Tick Control website.
Vaccine appointments for children are available
 Though one school year just ended, another one is soon to begin. Make sure your child is ready and current with all immunizations that their school requires. Vaccines protect against preventable communicable diseases.
For routine vaccines, parents can make an appointment with the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness for individuals aged 2 months or older, including adults. We also provide vaccines to people without insurance or a medical home, as well as for children whose insurance or doctor do not cover vaccines. We also accept most insurance plans. There is a $10 administration fee for each vaccine, but no one will be turned away if they are unable to pay.
Vaccines are given by appointment at our Newburg and Dixie clinics. Beginning July 11, our Newburg clinic will remain open until 7 p.m. every Tuesday.
If you have questions or need assistance, call 502-574-5380 or visit our website for more information. Language assistance is available.
July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
 National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is observed each July to bring awareness to the unique struggles that racial and ethnic minority communities face regarding mental illness in the United States.
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
Racial and ethnic minorities often suffer from poor mental health outcomes due to multiple factors, including lack of access to quality mental health care services, cultural stigma surrounding mental health care, discrimination, and overall lack of awareness about mental health.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.The program will connect callers to trained volunteer crisis counselors.
You can also access a listing of community mental health services.
Launch your career with us
 Are you interested in improving the health and wellness of all residents of our city? If the answer is yes, we invite you to be a part of a dedicated team. Please apply today.
For more information, please email LMPHWCareers@louisvilleky.gov.
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