State lawmakers are raising awareness about ticks - a tiny pest that can be a carrier of disease.
On Wednesday, a new bill was introduced that would require state parks within the ticks' range post signs warning visitors to check for the mites after leaving the park.
Of particular concern is the Blacklegged tick, a carrier for Lyme disease whose range has been growing across Michigan over the last few years. The Blacklegged tick's range now covers much of the Western edge of the state.
Lyme disease can cause fever and fatigue, among other symptoms.
Democratic State Representative Sheryl Kennedy introduce the legislation. She said the bill isn’t meant to scare people away from state parks.
“So if folks are enjoying our Michigan outdoors and they are walking through an area like that there is an awareness factor of when you get home you need to do a tick check.”
Kennedy said the bill is part of a larger package aimed at addressing lyme disease by getting some of the more expensive testing for the disease covered by insurers.
Another bill would have blood donations tested for Lyme disease.
“We already know this year our tick population is already larger than normal. If we can increase awareness we can help address the health issues that follow.”
Kennedy said her bill has bipartisan support.