Ticks on the rise in Pennsylvania, residents urged to protect themselves

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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 is reminding people to protect themselves against tick bites.

The DEP collected double the amount of blacklegged tick nymphs as last year.

>>RELATED: Pennsylvania is warning residents to be wary of ticks

“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 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell.

Blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, are the most common carriers of Lyme diseaseanaplasmosis and Powassan virus.

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There are ways you can reduce your 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 your skin.

·         If possible, dry clothing and gear in a dryer to kill any ticks.

“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,” said acting Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson.

>>RELATED: Doctors warn ticks ready to thrive this summer

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.

For more information on ticks and tick-borne diseases in Pennsylvania, visit the Department of Health website.

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