How a trip to the pumpkin patch almost turned deadly for one mom
It’s the thing of Instagram and blog dreams: family photos in a pumpkin patch with warm autumnal hues and crisp fall leaves acting as a picnic blanket. We’ve all seen photos on social media of families sporting matching outfits, surrounded in pumpkins and hay bales.
For one family from California, their picturesque trip quickly turned into a near-fatal experience. Now, a mom is speaking out to remind other families that some dangers of the summer still exist in fall.
Two years ago Jennifer Velasquez was perusing the pumpkin patch with her kids when she was bit by a tick. Velasquez quickly fell ill, later discovering she had contracted tick-borne Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Years later, she is still fighting the deadly disease – and this month she posted a photo to Facebook of her leg covered in a painful rash to remind families to enjoy their fall activities safely.
ALSO SEE: Every parent needs to see what ‘seed ticks’ did to this little girl
“I couldn’t walk, my whole body was in pain, my hair fell out, and I almost died… I’m still healing from all this. Don’t be dumb and wear flip flops like me,” wrote Velasquez.
“After seeing all the cute pictures of families at the pumpkin patches, this is a reminder for everyone. When you go to these pumpkin patches and petting zoos and all those fun fall activities, wear pants, long socks and shoes! Make sure you check for ticks!”
ALSO SEE: Aggressive tick whose bite makes people allergic to red meat is arriving in Canada
While she doesn’t want to discourage families from embracing their favourite fall activities, she wants to remind them to be diligent in ensuring their safety.
“Just be sure to cover up when you go, use repellent, and do a tick check when you get home,” she suggested. “Tick-borne illnesses have exploded recently in southern California despite being told we don’t have ticks out here.”
Tick-borne illnesses are often considered a danger of summer, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say ticks are most active in the spring, summer and early fall. With a similar recommendation as Velasquez, the CDC’s website reminds the public to be diligent in checking for ticks.
“Everyone should take steps to help protect themselves and their loved ones, including pets.”
Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA!
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
