Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus and Commissioner of Health Dr. Michael C. Caldwell are encouraging area schools to participate in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the DEET Education Program’s Fight the Bite Poster Contest.  Open to all fifth and sixth graders, the contest is a fun and creative way for students to learn more about the importance of using repellent while outdoors to protect themselves and their families from diseases spread by mosquitoes and ticks, including Lyme disease.

“We take Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases very seriously in Dutchess County,” said Steinhaus. “With the arrival of spring and the outdoor activities, our students will be able to play a role in raising awareness about the steps people can take to protect themselves while outdoors.”

In Dutchess County, more than 1100 cases of Lyme disease are reported each year.    Other tick-borne diseases such as babeosis and anaplasmosis are also on the rise.

Dutchess County Department of Health’s “Be Tick Free” outreach campaign provides important tips to prevent the spread of Lyme Disease, including the Tick Smart Program for Dutchess County elementary school teachers and health teachers that features “Tick-Check Harry,” a sheep dog stuffed-animal with seeds hidden in his fur.  Children learn about how to prevent Lyme disease by doing a “tick check” and find the “ticks” on Harry.

“The Fight the Bite Poster Contest is another great way for us to help educate children about Lyme Disease and other diseases,” said Health Commissioner Michael C. Caldwell, MD, MPH.   “By learning prevention tips early on, our youth will develop important awareness habits that will help protect them and their families throughout their lives.”

Two winners from each state, from each grade, will receive a $50 U.S. Savings Bond and an award certificate.  Two Grand Prize winners from each grade will receive a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond, a plaque and a trip to CDC offices and labs in Fort Collins, Colorado (airfare and hotel expenses paid) with their parents for the awards presentation.  Winning posters are used for educational outreach and public service materials.

DEET is the world’s most widely used active ingredient for insect repellents. It does not kill insects or ticks.   The CDC has long recommended DEET-based repellents. The American Academy of Pediatrics says repellents with up to 30 percent DEET can be used on children as young as two months of age.

More information about diseases from mosquito and tick bites, repellent use and other prevention strategies can be found at www.dutchessny.gov, just click on the Fight the Bite link under Spotlight on the homepage.    The Dutchess County Department of Health suggests, in addition to using repellents, to avoid infested areas and peak feeding periods, wear clothing that can prevent bites, limit standing water to reduce mosquitoes and modify home landscaping to discourage ticks.