Take precautions to avoid getting Lyme disease

If you are planning to spend quality time outdoors this summer, it is important to be mindful of ticks. These parasites are known to carry Lyme disease, particularly in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic and upper Midwest areas. Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia mayonii (found only in the upper Midwest). Tick exposure can occur year-round, but they are most active in the summer and fall, especially in densely wooded or grassy areas.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 476,000 Americans are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease from the bite of infected black-legged ticks (deer ticks) every year. Based on data from 2024 lab reports in New York State, the Broome County Health Department declared 771 confirmed cases of Lyme disease last year. The CDC claims the spread of Lyme disease over the past several decades has been linked to environmental factors such as climate change and land use patterns.

The likelihood of encountering a tick increases with outdoor activities such as hiking, gardening or walking your pet. You can still enjoy your summer outdoors by taking a few simple precautions. Anne DePugh, RN, BSN, MPH, system director of Population Health Management at UHS said, "If you’re outside, you should do a skin check daily. Do an active skin check when bathing and changing your clothes, and remember to check your pets for ticks. Removing a tick within 36 hours decreases the risk of Lyme disease."

It is advised to take the following precautions to help prevent tick bites during outdoor activities and to detect a tick bite as quickly as possible should one occur:

• Cover your skin while walking in grassy areas where ticks are prevalent.
• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents.
• Take a warm shower soon after returning from wooded areas.
• Examine your clothing, gear and pets after being outdoors.
• Check these parts of your body carefully after being in tick-prone areas:
  • Under the arms
  • In and around the ears
  • Inside belly button
  • Back of the knees
  • In and around the hair
  • Between the legs
  • Around the waist

In the event of a tick bite, it is important to remove it as soon as possible to curb your risk of Lyme disease. To remove a tick, carefully follow these steps:

• Using tweezers, grasp the tick near the mouthparts, as close to the skin as possible.
• Pull the tick in a steady, upward motion away from the skin.
• DO NOT use kerosene, matches or petroleum jelly to remove the tick.
• Disinfect the site with soap and water, rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
• Record the date and location of the tick bite. If rash or flu-like symptoms appear, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

A Lyme disease diagnosis usually depends on a review of all signs and symptoms, a history of known or possible exposure to ticks and a blood test to find disease-fighting antibodies to the bacteria. Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics if the tick is removed within 36 hours. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the joints, heart and nervous system. Listed below are some early signs and symptoms to watch for Lyme disease.

Early signs and symptoms:

• Fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes may occur instead of a rash.
• Erythema migrans (EM) or bullseye rash:
  • It occurs in approximately 70-80% of infected persons.
  • The rash begins at the site of a tick bite after a delay of three to 30 days (average is about seven days).
  • It expands gradually over several days, reaching up to 12 inches or more (30 cm) across.
  • It may feel warm to the touch but is rarely itchy or painful.
  • Sometimes clears as it enlarges, resulting in a target or bullseye appearance.
  • The rash may appear on any area of the body.
  • It does not always appear as a “classic” erythema migrans rash.

While not all ticks carry Lyme disease bacteria, it is still important to always take precautions when spending time outdoors. “Awareness is the key here; the best way to prevent Lyme disease and stay healthy this summer is to be mindful of your outside activities and consistently be on the lookout for ticks,” said Mrs. DePugh.

As the weather warms up, many of us will look to enjoy as much outdoor time as possible. However, it is critical to be mindful of limiting your exposure to ticks and practice these prevention methods to decrease your risk of Lyme disease.

For more information on UHS Pediatric Services or UHS Primary Care Services, please visit nyuhs.org.