Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania Acting Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson,
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Patrick
McDonnell, and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary
Cindy Adams Dunn today met at Boyd Big Tree Preserve to discuss the high
prevalence of ticks in Pennsylvania, highlight the numerous diseases that ticks can
carry and remind residents of ways they can protect against tick bites.
“Ticks are most active during warmer months, which is why we typically see more
instances of tick bites and cases of tick-borne diseases this time of year,” Dr. Johnson
said. “This year in particular, we are seeing increases in the number of Lyme disease
reports across the state, and clinicians are reporting that they are seeing more cases of other tick-borne diseases, such as anaplasmosis. As Pennsylvanians continue to spend more time outdoors, we are urging everyone to take steps to prevent tick bites, such as
wearing insect repellent, putting permethrin on their shoes, gear and clothing, and doing
frequent tick checks.”
DEP collected two times more Blacklegged tick nymphs compared to last year. This is
especially concerning considering the extremely small, poppy seed-like size of the
nymphs.
“The increase in nymphs really drives home the message that we all need to adhere to
the necessary precautions to stay safe from ticks,” said McDonnell.
The Wolf Administration reminds Pennsylvania residents and visitors of simple ways to
reduce their chances of being bitten by ticks:
• Cover exposed skin with lightweight and light-colored clothing
• Avoid tick-infested habitats such as areas dense with shrubbery or tall grass
• Use an EPA-approved insect repellent
• Once returning home, immediately check yourself, children, and pets for ticks
• Take a shower immediately to remove ticks that may be crawling on skin
• If possible, dry clothing and gear in a dryer to kill any ticks
“It is always important to take preventative measures so you can enjoy the mental and
physical health benefits of being in the outdoors, especially with regard to ticks,”
Secretary Dunn said. “As tick-borne diseases are becoming more prevalent in
Pennsylvania, it is critical to be aware of the risks and be prepared when spending time
outdoors year-round, whether that is visiting one of our 121 state parks, hiking our more
than 2.2 million acres of state forestland, or enjoying your own backyard.”
Blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, are the most common carrier of Lyme
disease, anaplasmosis and Powassan virus. Ticks typically thrive in tall grass, brush
and wooded areas, but deer ticks have been found in every county in the
commonwealth and can live in any habitat.
Common signs of a tick disease include fever, headache, chills and muscle aches.
Lyme disease is often characterized by a bullseye-like rash, although Lyme disease
may not always present itself with this obvious sign. Additional symptoms for Powassan
virus may include vomiting, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty
speaking, or even seizures in severe cases. While transmission for Lyme disease from
tick to human takes approximately 24 hours or more, Powassan transmission from a tick
bite can happen in as little as 15 minutes. If you have symptoms that are consistent with
a tick-borne disease, it is important to speak to a doctor immediately.
For more information on ticks and tick-borne diseases in Pennsylvania, visit the
Department of Health website at www.health.pa.gov or follow us on Facebook and
Twitter.