(Swat!) Summer has arrived full force with her (smack!) predators in the air and on the ground. unfortunately, for legions of mosquitoes and ticks, we are the prey. but beyond the annoyance of these pests lurks a medical risk of disease. Insects carry numerous mild to life-threatening infectious agents ranging from Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Ehrlichia to West Nile Virus, viral encephalitis, and Dengue, our newest summer contender. And don’t get me started on the bacteria in the potato salad.

But don’t panic. Awareness of infectious risks and how to minimize them can avoid abdominal cramps without cramping your summer fun.

Tick-borne illness: You can contract Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichia and Lyme disease (which is rare in Georgia) from ticks. Each of these diseases causes headache, back and muscle aches, fevers, and Erlichia also sparks a rash. these symptoms begin within 4 to 21 days after tick exposure. unfortunately infection may occur without you knowing you even had a tick.

Exposure is best prevented by wearing light-colored clothing which makes ticks more visible, along with long pants and long sleeves when walking in tall grass or brush. Tucking your pant legs inside your socks also prevents the tick from accessing your skin and climbing to hidden

areas. Insect repellant with DEET on clothing and Picaridin on the skin is effective if you reapply it every few hours.

Mosquito-borne illness: Several types of viral meningitis are carried by mosquitoes in Georgia. these include West Nile Virus, Saint Louis Encephalitis, fortunately rare Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and a variety of unnamed arboviruses. Their symptoms are headache, stiff neck, fever and slight to severe confusion. Dengue is a new serious viral agent identified last year in Key West with 28 cases as of June, 2010. Previously this virus was only seen in travelers. This illness can vary from mild to severe with rash, fever and headache, up to life threatening hemorrhagic fever.

There are no effective treatments for any of these illnesses. Prevention is your only protection: since mosquitoes avoid direct sunlight, staying in direct sunlight during the day will help. In the shade and as the sun sets, it’s wise to either cover up or apply insect repellants containing Picaridin to the skin, and DEET to collars and cuffs.

Food-borne illness: Summer cookouts are always fun, but foods that are left out of a cooler can quickly become contaminated with Staphylococcus, Campylobacter, E. Coli, all causes of diarrhea, vomiting or both. Beware of food that has been out of the refrigerator for more than two hours. if many hands have already visited the dish during the picnic, be especially cautious. these uncooled foods could make for a very uncool after-party.

Remember that taking a few precautions can reduce your risk for illness so you can enjoy the season.