Bloomington, IL — Summer means more time outdoors and more opportunities for mosquito and tick bites that can cause infections that make you very sick. McLean County Health Department (MCHD) encourages simple precautions to prevent bites, recognize the signs of illness, and know when to seek medical care.
In Illinois, mosquitoes can transmit numerous diseases, most notably West Nile virus, while ticks can spread Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other illnesses. Although most bites do not result in disease, prevention remains the best protection.
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"Most mosquito and tick bites are preventable with a few simple habits," said Cathy Stone, senior environmental health practitioner with MCHD. "People often think they have to be deep in the woods to encounter ticks, or be surrounded by wetlands to be bitten by mosquitoes. But both can be found in neighborhood parks and backyards throughout the summer. Making bite prevention part of your routine every time you head outdoors is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and your family."
"Protecting yourself starts before you head outside. Whether you're hiking, gardening, attending summer events, or simply enjoying your backyard, a few preventive steps can help you enjoy the season safely," added Tom Anderson, MCHD Environmental Health Division Director.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois reported 150 human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) and 10 deaths in 2025. While most people with WNV experience few or no symptoms, those aged 50+ and those with compromised immune systems face the greatest risk of serious illness.
Tips to reduce your risk
- Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Wear long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored clothing when spending time in wooded, brushy, or grassy areas. Treat clothing and gear with repellent containing 0.5% permethrin.
- Avoid walking on leaf litter and stay in the center of trails to avoid brushing against tall grass and twigs. This reduces the risk a tick will attach itself to you.
- Check humans and pets for ticks after spending time outdoors, and shower within two hours of coming inside.
- Empty or refresh any standing water around your home such as bird baths, clogged gutters, plant pots, old tires, and similar items. Mosquitoes can lay hundreds of eggs in just a few ounces of standing water.
Recognize and respond to tick bites
The proper way to remove a tick embedded in your skin is to use fine-tipped tweezers, grasping as close to the skin as possible and pulling slowly upward with steady, even pressure. Never crush a tick with your bare fingers.
Monitor for symptoms during the following days and weeks, including fever, headache, rash, fatigue, muscle aches, or joint pain. Anyone experiencing these symptoms after a tick or mosquito bite should contact their healthcare provider and mention their recent outdoor exposure.
Residents are always welcome to contact the MCHD Environmental Health Division to ask questions at (309) 888-5482.
