If you suspect that a tick bite could be work-related, contact your supervisor and call UCOR Health Services at 865-574-8562 immediately after finding and removing the tick—even after work hours and on weekends. The health care professional who performs your telehealth evaluation will determine if follow-up actions are necessary.
While a variety of ticks are commonly found in grassy, wooded, and brushy areas in East Tennessee, only a small percentage of ticks in our region carry disease. Prompt removal of embedded ticks further decreases the likelihood of developing a tick-borne illness.
Follow these tick prevention and removal tips:
• Mow grass and remove vegetation from walking paths.
• Wear light-colored long pants tucked into socks and a long sleeve shirt.
• Treat clothing with an insect repellent such as permethrin at least one or two days before wearing.
• Shower after leaving vegetated areas, paying
attention to the scalp, torso, underarms, groin, and between fingers and toes.
• If a tick is found to be embedded in your skin, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the head as close to your skin as possible. Pull the tick upward with even, steady pressure. Clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water.
• Report signs of infection such as fever, rash, or flu-like symptoms to UCOR Health Services.
