Pennsylvania health officials warn of ticks, Lyme disease

Pennsylvania state health officials on Wednesday issued a warning reminding Pennsylvanians to protect against tick and mosquito bites.

Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, which, if not treated, can cause severe symptoms that affect the heart, nervous system and joints.

In 2019, Pennsylvania recorded 9,000 confirmed and probable cases of Lyme disease.

To reduce the odds of a tick bite, health officials suggest walking in the center of trails, avoiding areas with high grass and leaf litter, using repellent that contains at least 20% DEET and wearing light-colored clothing.

After spending time outdoors, people should check themselves and their pets for ticks and take a bath or shower within two hours of coming indoors.

For people who have been bitten by a tick, contact a health care provider and monitor for symptoms of Lyme disease, like a red, swollen, bulls-eye shaped rash, fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health additionally urged residents to watch for mosquitoes, which can transmit West Nile virus. In 2019, the state reported seven cases of human West Nile virus.

Though most people infected with West Nile won’t develop symptoms, about one in five will have symptoms like fever, headache, body aches, joint paints, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. West Nile can also lead to more serious conditions, like encephalitis or meningitis, according to health officials.

The health department urged people to wear insect repellent containing DEET, especially at dusk and dawn. People should also reduce the amount of standing water around their homes by cleaning gutters and emptying plastic pools or other containers.

“Ticks and mosquitoes can carry dangerous diseases that can severely impact an individual’s health if not treated properly,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “It is essential that all residents know the proper ways to protect themselves against these serious diseases so they do not get sick. We encourage all Pennsylvanians to get outside and be healthy but to do so in the safest way possible.”

If you have symptoms consistent with those caused by an insect or tick bite, health officials urge you to contact your health care provider and find more information at the Department of Health website.