Pennsylvania is warning residents to be wary of ticks

Pennsylvania officials are warning residents to be on the lookout for ticks, as tick-borne disease affects thousands throughout the state.

“As we head into the summer months, we are encouraging all Pennsylvanians to protect themselves when spending time outdoors,” Pennsylvania Department of Health Acting Secretary Alison Beam said. “We have seen increases in tick bite-related emergency department visits in nearly all regions across the state and while this trend is expected this time of year, it’s an important reminder that tick-borne diseases continue to be prevalent in Pennsylvania. If you have been bitten by a tick and are showing symptoms of a tick-borne illness, it’s important that you contact your health care provider to get treatment as soon as possible.”

Some simple ways to reduce chances of being bitten by ticks include:

• Cover exposed skin with lightweight and light-colored clothing
• Avoid tick-infested habitats such as areas dense with shrubbery or tall grass
• Use an EPA-approved insect repellent
• Once returning home, immediately check yourself, children and pets for ticks
• Take a shower immediately to remove ticks that may be crawling on skin
• If possible, dry clothing and gear in a dryer to kill any ticks

Blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, are the most common carrier of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and Powassan virus. Ticks typically thrive in tall grass, brush and wooded areas, but deer ticks have been found in every county in the commonwealth and can live in any habitat. Ticks are most likely to infect humans during the late spring and summer but can also infect humans year-round.

Common signs of a tick disease include fever, headache, chills and muscle aches. Lyme disease is often characterized by a bullseye-like rash, although Lyme disease may not always present itself with this obvious sign. Additional symptoms for Powassan virus may include vomiting, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking or even seizures in severe cases. While transmission for Lyme disease from tick to human takes approximately 24 hours or more, Powassan transmission from a tick bite can happen in as little as 15 minutes. If you have symptoms that are consistent with a tick-borne disease, it is important to speak to a doctor immediately.

For more information on ticks and tick-borne diseases in Pennsylvania, visit the Department of Health website at www.health.pa.gov.

Ticks: What you need to know (NCD)

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