Lake County Health Department Warns of Increased Lyme Disease Cases

The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center is cautioning residents to be particularly aware of ticks now that Lyme disease cases have reached a record number in Lake County.

So far this year, 20 cases have been reported, which surpasses the previous record number of 19 cases reported in the county in 2011, according to a release.

A few prevention measures to take against ticks:

• Keep your grass mowed around your home and near playground equipment.
• Install a wood chip or gravel barrier between lawns and wooded or tall grass areas.
• Do not brush against plants outdoors and walk in the center of paths through parks and forest preserves.
• Minimize woodpiles attractive to small animals that can carry ticks.