Southern New York is a hotspot for ticks, particularly the black-legged tick, which is the primary carrier of Lyme disease. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and can lead to serious health problems if not treated promptly.

Health Problems from Lyme Disease:

• Early Symptoms: Fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and a bull's-eye rash.

• Later Symptoms: Severe joint pain, neurological problems, irregular heartbeat, and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

Prevention Tips (click here for further info)

• Clothing & Protection: Wear long sleeves and pants, use insect repellents, and treat clothing with permethrin.

• After You Come Indoors: Check your body for ticks, shower within two hours, and dry clothes on high heat.

What to Do If Bitten (click here for further info)

• Remove the Tick: Use tweezers to pull it out.

• Clean the Area: Wash with alcohol, iodine, or soap and water.

• Save the Tick: Place it in a sealed container for testing.

• Watch for Symptoms: Monitor for rash, fever, fatigue, or joint pain.

• See a Doctor: If symptoms appear or if the tick was attached for more than 36 hours.

Other Tick-Borne Illnesses in NY:

• Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Powassan Virus

Early detection and treatment are key to avoiding long-term complications. Stay vigilant outdoors and take preventive measures to protect yourself from ticks.  More detail can be found at the CDC web site about Tickss.