Ehrlichiosis

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Ehrlichiosis Prevention

Ehrlichiosis is spread by tick bites. Preventing tick bites will prevent Ehrlichiosis and other tick-borne diseases. Common measures include the use of insect repellent, appropriate clothing, sticking to trails and avoiding dense brush when hiking, and not standing under overhanging foliage. After hiking or outings in the woods it is a good idea to examine yourself for ticks and remove any that may be found. Studies suggest that a tick must be attached for at least 24 hours in order to cause disease, so early removal will prevent infection. The date and time of a tick bite should be recorded as the incubation period of some tick-borne diseases is long enough (the incubation period for Lyme disease is up to 1 month) that the event could be forgotten.