POUGHKEEPSIE – The Dutchess County Tick Task Force is posting online presentations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The programming will be available starting on May 7, 2020.
PowerPoint presentations will be unveiled at https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/County-Legislature/Tick-Task-Force.htm and will allow residents to develop a broader understanding of all aspects of tick-borne diseases, in which they are exposed.
The presentations will also be included in a calendar for the month of May to support Mental Health Awareness at the Roy C. Ketcham High School Virtual Health and Wellness Fair. You can access the calendar at https://www.wappingersschools.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=1346&ModuleInstanceID=4112&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=59113&PageID=8446.
The Tick Task Force, together with the Department of Behavioral and Community Health, also hosted the annual “Be Tick Free” media contest open to middle and high school students with the goal for students to learn how to prevent Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, and then use their digital media skills to teach others what they have learned. To view this year’s entries and vote on your favorite, please go to https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/County-Legislature/Be-Tick-Free-Media-Contest.htm.
With the weather warming up it is highly encouraged to adopt the following habits when spending time outdoors:
- Wear light-colored long pants and long-sleeved shirts,
- Tuck your pant legs into your boots and consider using a repellent for ticks on your clothing and boots,
- Soon after returning indoors, remember to check for ticks, and
- You also may want to throw your clothes in the dryer for 30 minutes on high heat to kill any ticks that came indoors on your clothing.
For additional information on ticks, please visit Dutchess County Legislature online at https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/County-Legislature/Tick-Task-Force.htm.
