After one Illinois resident recently became seriously ill from a tickborne illness, the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are urging residents to take appropriate precautions.

The resident was confirmed to have contracted Powassan, an illness that had not previously been detected in the state. The state is investigating if the resident was exposed in Illinois or another state, but the case serves as a reminder for residents to protect themselves from other tickborne illnesses such as Lyme disease when participating in outdoor activities. Ticks are active into the fall and pose a serious health risk to humans and pets, according to a news release from the Health Department.

Lyme disease is a serious bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States affecting more than 500,000 people nationally each year.

As the summer approaches, the Health Department encourages residents to learn to ‘Fight the Bite’ and protect yourself and your loved ones from tickborne illnesses. If you have been in wooded or high grassy areas and are experiencing symptoms – fever, fatigue, headache and a circular rash – see your health care provider immediately.

The most important thing people can do to “Fight the Bite” is to diligently check themselves, their pets and children for ticks after spending time in areas where ticks live, such as in and near wooded areas, tall grass and brush. Removing ticks within a 24-hour period reduces the risk of potential disease transmission.

In addition to Lyme disease, other serious tickborne diseases include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, ehrlichiosis and babesiosis. Some tickborne illnesses can be life threatening. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is particularly dangerous and may cause death as quickly as five days after symptom onset.

Due to this continued risk, First Choice Healthcare has joined with Quest Labs and the Illinois Lyme Association to announce they have Lyme disease screening now available at all of their clinic locations: Kewanee, 110 N. Burr Blvd., 309-852-5272; Colona, 103 1st St., 309-792-4011; Toulon, 120 E. Court St., 309-852-3115, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4p.m.

Most insurances are accepted. Quest labs files insurance claims, and participants will receive “in-network” benefits, including Medicaid and Medicare. For appointments or for more information call the First Choice Healthcare Clinic nearest you.