NYS Dept. of Health Warns Residents to Take Precautions Against Tick-Borne Illness

With more people likely to be outdoors with the nicer weather, the New York State Department of Health along with the Department of Environmental Conservation and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation are reminding residents to protect themselves from ticks and tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease.

“As the weather warms up and we get outside, it’s important to take precautions to protect against diseases, such as Lyme disease, that can be transmitted by infected ticks,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “Ticks can be found in most areas of New York and the best way to prevent infections that can cause serious illness is to follow simple methods to avoid being bitten. Remember to protect yourself throughout the day and use protective clothing and repellent to help keep you safe and healthy.”

Ticks are more prevalent in warmer weather and as Spring continues to warm and head towards summer, you can expect to see an increase in ticks. A bite from an infected tick may transfer several diseases, this includes Lyme disease. Lyme disease is the most commonly reported tick-borne disease in New York State. In the last three years, New York has averaged over 17,500 new cases each year; in 2023, cases hit 19,000.

The Department of Health says Lyme disease is caused by bacteria transmitted by infected blacklegged (deer) ticks (both nymphs and adults), which are most active when temperatures are above freezing. Lyme disease can affect people of any age and is spread when an infected tick bites a person and remains attached for 36 hours or more.

A common symptom of the disease is a bull’s eye or solid patch near the bite. Flu-like symptoms of fever or chills and muscle aches, headaches, or fatigue may also occur within 30 days of infection. 

Ways to keep yourself protected when hiking, working, or spending time in wooded areas include wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts and closed toed shoes. You should also keep long hair tied back, especially when gardening, checking for ticks regularly, tumble clothes in a dryer in high heat for at least 10 minutes, shower soon after coming indoors, and use EPA-registered repellents that are effective against ticks containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535.

If you do find a tick on yourself, remove it immediately using a fine-tipped tweezer. Risky removals such as detergent or burning may increase the risk of infection, the DOH warns. More information may be found through the Department of Health’s website, HERE.