HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania residents are reminded to take precautions to prevent Lyme disease and tick bites.
“Spending time outdoors is an important way to support health and wellness, but we want to encourage Pennsylvanians to do so as safely as possible,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “It only takes a couple of minutes to reduce your risk of tick bites before you head outdoors and to check for ticks after coming back inside. A few simple steps can make a world of difference in protecting you from Lyme disease.”
Pennsylvania typically ranks in the top 10 in the country for Lyme disease cases per 100,000 residents. Thus far, in 2024, the state Department of Health has recorded 11,263 lab-confirmed cases of Lyme disease. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a short course of antibiotics. However, if the infection is left untreated, it can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system.
Earlier this year, to better inform Pennsylvanians about tickborne diseases, the DOH launched a new online dashboard to show where ticks are prevalent and help them prepare to take appropriate precautions while enjoying outdoor activities.
“Taking preventive measures helps people enjoy mental and physical health benefits of being in the outdoors without having to worry, especially with regard to ticks,” said Cindy Adams Dunn, chair of the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “It is critical to be aware of the risks and be prepared when spending time outdoors year-round…”
“Ticks and mosquitoes can ruin a great time outdoors, and it is important to take simple, commonsense steps to protect yourselves and your loved ones,” said John Ryder, deputy secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection. “DEP monitors tick and mosquito populations across Pennsylvania, tracking the prevalence of diseases these insects can carry, and even taking steps to reduce mosquito populations when necessary. A little prevention goes a long way to staying safe from ticks and mosquitoes outdoors.”
Residents can prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus and by wearing long sleeves and pants, especially during peak mosquito activity times, like dusk and dawn.
Ticks aren’t confined to the forests and wooded areas of the Commonwealth and can be found in urban and rural settings too, usually in shrubs, weeds, leaf litter and tall grasses – anywhere there is foliage. Taking the proper steps to decrease the chances of getting bitten is important.
OTHER TIPS FOR TICK BITE PREVENTION
When outside, people should cover exposed skin, wear light colors to help detect ticks and use insect repellent that is EPA-approved for tick prevention. Before spending time outdoors, they should spray permethrin on shoes, clothes and gear. Permethrin can be found in many stores and online.
After being outside, people should check themselves, their children and pets, then shower to help remove any ticks they may have missed. Another suggestion is putting clothing in the dryer using high heat to help kill any remaining ticks.
For more information on Lyme disease, those interested may visit the Department of Health’s Tickborne Diseases webpage.
