Ticks are making headlines this summer, and for good reason. Parents — as well as babysitters, nannies, and any other child care professionals — are being cautioned to pay extra attention to children before, during, and after outdoor activities to avoid coming into contact with the small arachnids.
Tragedy struck an Indianapolis family this month after their 2-year-old daughter, Kenley Ratliff, died from what was likely a tick bite that triggered Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a bacterial infection spread by ticks, according to WISH-TV.
While the child’s autopsy has not been officially released, doctors said they suspect the toddler’s illness is linked to a tick bite, according to CNN. The family hopes to raise awareness about Kenley’s illness to help others avoid a similar tragic ending.
“Now that Kenley has passed away, obviously we can’t do anything,” Jordan Clapp, the girl’s aunt, told CNN. “But if we can save other children’s lives, and if we can educate other parents on checking for ticks, and if we can raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, because we had no idea. So if they have read Kenley’s story, this will now be on the back of their minds. And they’ll know, and they’ll understand.”
Ticks are more prevalent than usual this year due to a warm winter last year. Earlier this year, a 3-year-old Oregon girl was paralyzed from the waist down and could barely use her arms after a tick bite, according to FOX 12 Oregon.
It’s a sad but important reminder for parents and child care providers — whether babysitters or nannies — to be extra vigilant about checking children for ticks after outdoor activities.
So, before you or another caregiver take the kids to the playground or on a weekend camping trip, you may want to brush up on our top five summer safety tips, including how to spot and remove seed ticks.
Learn more about the different types of ticks in your area by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
