How does the CDC recommend removing a tick?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using tweezers to grasp a tick as close to the skin's surface as possible and pull straight out with steady, even pressure. This method is effective because it minimizes the risk of the tick's mouth parts breaking off and remaining in the skin, which can lead to infection and other complications. By pulling straight out, you are also reducing the chance of the tick regurgitating any infectious fluids into the bite site. This systematic approach is essential for proper tick removal, thereby ensuring a higher likelihood of preventing potential diseases transmitted by ticks.