Lyme disease isn’t the only threat from ticks

GREENE COUNTY―Over the last three years, New York State has averaged more than 17,500 new cases of Lyme disease annually, with nearly 19,000 cases reported in 2024 alone.

As warm weather approaches, state officials are urging the public to take precautions against ticks and tick-borne illnesses. And Lyme disease is just one of them.

"As the weather warms up and we get outside, it's important to remember, ticks live here too, and to them, we are a food source," said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.

Although ticks are still active in cooler temperatures, spring and approaching warmer temperatures increase the likelihood of exposure. Bites from an infected tick can transmit several diseases, including Lyme disease, the most commonly reported tick-borne disease in the state.

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

The most common symptom of Lyme disease is an expanding rash resembling a bull's eye or solid patch, that appears near the site of a bite―but not everyone who contracts Lyme will get the rash. Flu-like symptoms such as fever or chills and muscle aches, headache, or fatigue may also occur within 30 days of infection.

Tick bites can also transmit other diseases. Since 2015, the Department has reported an average of 600 babesiosis infections and an average of 1,300 anaplasmosis infections each year, as well as cases of more rare diseases such as ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Powassan virus disease. All these diseases can vary in severity, but without treatment, they can cause serious illness and even death.

Prompt tick removal is important as transmission of these diseases can occur more quickly than Lyme disease. Powassan virus is able to be transmitted within 15 minutes of a tick bite.

Recently, the DOH issued a healthcare provider advisory on alpha-gal syndrome. It makes people allergic to red meat and other products made from mammals. The condition usually begins with the bite of the Lone Star tick.

While hiking, working, or spending time outdoors, follow these simple steps to help prevent tick bites:

Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and closed-toed shoes.

Keep long hair tied back, especially when gardening.

Check for ticks often while outdoors and brush them away before they attach.

Perform a full body check multiple times during the day, as well as at the end of the day, to ensure that no ticks are attached.

Tumble clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors.

Shower soon after coming indoors.

Remember to check pets thoroughly for ticks after spending time outdoors and talk to your veterinarian about ways to reduce ticks on your pet.

Consider using EPA-registered repellents labelled as effective against ticks containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535, and follow label instructions. If you are using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.

For more information about Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, visit health.ny.gov/ticks.