As the weather warms up and people spend more time outdoors, Illinois Department of Public Health Director Nirav D. Shah, reminds residents about the importance of taking precautions against ticks, which can cause illness.  Ticks can carry diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, tularemia and others.  Simple tips to avoid ticks bites include wearing light-colored, protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, boots or sturdy shoes and a head covering.  Apply insect repellant containing 10 percent to 30 percent DEET primarily to clothes.  Walk in the center of trails so weeds do not brush against you.  Check yourself, children, other family members and pets for ticks every two to three hours.  Remove any tick promptly by grasping it with tweezers, as close to the skin as possible and gently, but firmly, pull it straight out.  Wash your hands and the tick bite site with soap and water.  If you become ill with fever and/or rash after being in an area where ticks may be, contact your health care provider.