As lyme cases persist, PA officials remind residents to protect against ticks

Pennsylvania health officials are sounding the alarm and urging residents to take proactive measures against Lyme disease and tick bites.

Last year alone, the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed 16,620 cases of Lyme disease.

While most cases are successfully treated with antibiotics, officials said, untreated infections can lead to serious complications affecting joints, the heart, and the nervous system.

Representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection recently held a press conference at Little Buffalo State Park in Perry County to point to the importance of prevention.

“Spending time outdoors supports physical and mental well-being. When outdoors, I encourage Pennsylvanians to take some simple steps to protect their health,” said Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen. “Take a few extra minutes before heading out the door to apply and carry sunscreen to prevent sunburns, bring water to prevent dehydration, and apply or carry an EPA-approved bug spray to prevent tick bites.”

To aid residents in planning safe outdoor activities, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has launched an online dashboard detailing tick prevalence, allowing individuals to take precautions.

“By taking simple preventive steps, people can enjoy the mental and physical benefits of spending time outdoors without the added worry – especially when it comes to ticks,” said Pennsylvania Department Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “It’s essential to understand the risks and be prepared throughout the year, whether you’re exploring one of Pennsylvania’s state parks, hiking in our state forests, or relaxing in one of the more than 6,100 local parks right in your own community.”

Ticks are pervasive, found in both urban and rural environments, typically lurking in shrubs, weeds, leaf litter and tall grasses, but can be present wherever foliage exists.

“Ticks that carry Lyme disease have been found in all 67 counties in Pennsylvania, and we constantly monitor other tick-borne diseases that may pose a risk to residents and visitors,” said Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Secretary John Ryder. “A little prevention goes a long way to keeping you and your family safe from ticks this summer.”

Officials recommend the following tips for tick bite prevention:

• Cover exposed skin and wear light-colored clothing to make it easier to spot ticks.
• Use EPA-approved insect repellent for tick prevention.
• Before heading outdoors, treat shoes, clothes, and gear with permethrin.
• After coming indoors, check yourself, children, and pets thoroughly for ticks and remove any promptly.
• Shower soon after spending time outside to help wash away ticks that may have gone unnoticed.
• Place clothes in the dryer on high heat to kill any remaining ticks.

For more information on Lyme disease, visit state’s Tickborne Diseases webpage.