Ticks carrying Lyme disease have been found in and near Malibu Creek State Park. County health officials are now warning the public about the disease, and offering tips on how to protect yourself. If identified early, the disease is readily treatable with antibiotics. Left untreated, however, some people can develop long-term ailments, such as arthritis, irregular heartbeat or neurological problems.
People typically come in contact with ticks while hiking or engaging in other outdoor activities.
Tuck your pants legs into socks or boots, and tuck your shirt into your pants. Use tick repellant sprays such as DEET or permethrin on the outside of your clothing. Stay in the center of trails to avoid brush and tall grasses. Carefully remove any attached ticks by grasping them as close to your skin as possible and pulling them out with slow, steady force. Read the Patient Guide to Diagnosing Lyme Disease .