Winter is Tick Season in Half Moon Bay, Vector Control Warns: Disease-Causing Bacteria Alert

Winter is the season for deer ticks, which can spread Lyme disease and other illnesses, San Mateo County public health officials said Monday.

Up to 3 percent of ticks collected in San Mateo County in 2015 and 2016 are infected with disease-causing bacteria, according to San Mateo Mosquito and Vector Control District laboratory director Dr. Nayer Zahiri.

The 3 percent figure is consistent with previous years' results.

"Tick-borne illnesses can be very serious," district spokeswoman Megan Sebay said in a statement. "Don't be afraid to enjoy our county's wonderful parks and open spaces, but do protect yourself against ticks."

District officials recommend that residents prevent tick bites by wearing light-colored clothing and long sleeves and pants, using repellant containing DEET and avoiding contact with brush, tall grass and leaf litter.

For more information on ticks in San Mateo County, contact the San Mateo Mosquito and Vector Control District at (650) 344-8592 or visit www.smcmvcd.org/ticks.

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Photo via Wikimedia Commons and MSPCA