PORTLAND, Ore. -- Get out that repellent. This tick season is shaping to be a long one.
Because of the mild winter, the ticks got an early start.
The deer tick is the biggest concern west of the Cascades. It can carry up to three different diseases including Lyme disease.
Health officials say Oregon has seen a steady increase in Lyme disease cases in the last three to four years. They say the best way to protect yourself is to wear tick repellent and check yourself and your pets after every hike.
But thankfully, the odds of getting a tick-borne illness are very low.
"Three out of every 100 ticks that you encounter are positive for Lyme disease," said Oregon Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Emilio DeBess. "That's pretty low."
It takes about 36 to 48 hours for a tick to transmit Lyme disease.
So if you see one on your body or on your pet, no need to panic, but do call your doctor or veterinarian to get it out.