HARRISBURG (Newsradio 100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA) – With warmer weather, people will begin to spend more time outdoors.
Which means Pennsylvanians need to be aware of ticks, and the dangers of what tick bites can bring, the Wolf Administration warns.
"Spending time outdoors and participating in physical activity is a key part of living a healthy life," said Pennsylvania Department of Health Acting Secretary Alison Beam. "While we encourage safe recreation, we must be aware of ticks and the serious diseases they carry. As Lyme disease and related tick-borne diseases become more prevalent in Pennsylvania, it is important to protect yourself when spending time outdoors."
Blacklegged ticks, also called deer ticks, can carry Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis.
Deer ticks have been found in every county in Pennsylvania. They thrive in tall grass, brush, and wooded areas.
Signs of tick diseases include fever, headache, chills, and muscle aches.
Bites sometimes have a bullseye-like rash, although that is not always the case.
If you find you have been bitten by a tick, speak to a doctor immediately.
"As climate change continues to warm our winters, we're seeing higher tick populations surviving months that used to be too cold to survive," said Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell. "As the number of ticks continues to rise, so do the odds of tick-borne disease transmission. We must remain diligent – both in protecting ourselves from bites, but also in seeking long-term solutions to address climate change."
To help reduce your chances of being bitten by ticks, the Wolf Administration highlights the following steps:
-Cover exposed skin with lightweight and light-colored clothing
-Avoid tick-infested habitats such as areas dense with shrubbery or tall grass
-Use an insect repellent containing 20 percent or more DEET
-Once returning home, immediately check yourself, children, and pets for ticks
-Take a shower immediately to remove ticks that may be attached to skin If possible, dry clothing and gear in a dryer to kill any ticks
"Whether visiting one of our 121 state parks, hiking our more than 2.2 million acres of state forestland, or enjoying your own backyard, we must be cognizant of our surroundings," said Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Dunn. "Proper personal care and actions can keep us safe while enjoying the outdoors."
