As the weather improves and your family (dogs included) start to go outside for long walks and hikes, Alexandria Health Department officials said they want you to check yourself for common parasites that can cling to your body and transmit serious diseases.
Since 2020, Alexandria has seen an increase in Lyme disease, according to the local health department. The bacterial infection is transmitted through the bite of a blacklegged deer tick. Lyme disease can cause fever, fatigue, a characteristic “bullseye” shaped rash, joint stiffness and muscle aches. If left untreated, it can cause irregular heartbeats and pains in joints and muscles.
Amanda Coletti, environmental health specialist with the Alexandria Health Department, said these ticks in their “nymph” stage of the life cycle usually start to appear in the early summer months…