Lebanon OH
5-19-2026 8:44pm

As Spring Arrives, Mercy Health Urgent Care Urges Prevention Against Bug Bites

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LEBANON, OH -- With spring weather arriving and outdoor activities ramping up, Mercy Health wants to remind Warren County residents to take precautions against ticks and mosquitoes, small pests that can carry big risks.

“Every year, we see cases of Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections increase as temperatures rise,” said Philip Lam, MD, regional medical director for Mercy Health urgent care. “Taking simple steps before you head outdoors can go a long way in keeping your family safe.”

Tick and mosquito populations have been expanding in both range and duration in recent years due to warmer, wetter seasons. That means these pests are active earlier in the spring and linger later into the fall. Nationwide, cases of tick- and mosquito-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, West Nile virus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Eastern equine encephalitis have all increased steadily over the past decade. The risk typically increases from April through October.

Providers recommend these prevention tips:

  • Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
  • Dress smart: wear long sleeves, pants, and light-colored clothing.
  • Check for ticks after time outdoors — especially behind ears, knees, and hairlines. Don’t forget to check your pets, too.
  • Remove standing water where mosquitoes breed, like flowerpots and birdbaths.

Contact your provider or visit an urgent care center if you notice a rash that expands or looks like a bullseye, flu-like symptoms after outdoor exposure, persistent fever or headaches, or signs of infection at a bite site

“It’s important to get checked right away. Early detection makes treatment much more effective, and it’s often easier to prevent the long-term complications that sometimes come from untreated cases,” said Dr. Lam.

Local health officials recommend year-round prevention and awareness, especially for families, hikers, and outdoor workers. For more information on tick and mosquito prevention or to schedule an appointment with a provider, visit mercy.com.

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