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HARRISBURG, Pa .– There are a large number of ticks in Pennsylvania that carry several different diseases, and the Department of Environmental Protection reminds people to protect themselves against tick bites.
DEP collected double the number of blacklegged tick nymphs compared to last year.
>> RELATED: Pennsylvania warns residents to beware of ticks
Blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, are the most common vectors of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and Powassan virus.
“The increase in the number of nymphs really signals that we all need to take the necessary precautions to stay safe from ticks,” said Patrick McDonnell, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
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There are ways to reduce your risk of getting bitten by ticks:
· Cover exposed skin with light, light-colored clothing.
· Avoid tick-infested habitats such as dense areas with shrubs or tall grass.
· Use an EPA approved insect repellent.
· When you get home, check you, your children and your pets for ticks immediately.
Take a shower immediately to wash off any ticks that may crawl on your skin.
· If possible, dry clothes and equipment in a dryer to kill ticks.
“Ticks are more active during the warmer months, which is why we generally see more cases of tick bites and cases of tick-borne illnesses this time of year,” the general practitioner said. Acting Pennsylvania Dr. Denise Johnson.
>> RELATED: Doctors warn ticks are set to thrive this summer
Common signs of tick disease are fever, headache, chills, and muscle pain. Lyme disease is often characterized by a rash similar to a bull’s eye, although Lyme disease does not always present with this obvious sign.
For more information on ticks and tick-borne diseases in Pennsylvania, visit the Department of Health website.
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