Ticks out in force this summer

JOANNE BRATTON • Bulletin Staff Writer • July 23, 2008 Medical officials say they have received more reports of people displaying symptoms of tick-borne illnesses this year, but preliminary numbers are not yet available by the state. "We have seen more than the usual number of patients with symptoms of tick-borne illnesses," said Kelly Dicks, nurse leader of Baxter Regional Medical Center's Cline Emergency Center. While Arkansas Department of Health Units in Baxter and Marion counties do not have information on the number of tick-borne illnesses reported this year, a Gainesville, Mo., man, Fray Duggins, 81, died this month due to an illness after a tick bite, said his daughter, Judy Hambelton. Statewide, about 227 people were reported to have tick-borne illnesses last year. The numbers so far this year are not significant,... [read full story]