MEDIA RELEASE: Uptick in Tickborne Illnesses in Tioga County

Last Updated: 7/23/2024

Tioga County has seen an increase in tickborne illnesses this summer. According to our Disease Surveillance reporting, in the first half of 2024, Tioga County has had 29 cases of Anaplasmosis, 4 cases of Babesiosis, and 143 cases of Lyme disease. In comparison, during the first half of 2023 our reported cases were significantly lower with 16 cases of Anaplasmosis, 1 case of Babesiosis, and 47 cases of Lyme disease. We expect these case numbers to increase from mid-August to November when ticks become more active in their life cycle.­

Lyme disease and anaplasmosis are bacterial infections, and Babesiosis is a parasitic disease, all spread through the bite of an infected tick. Symptoms of these three infections may include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and muscle and/or joint pain. Lyme disease infections may also display a bull’s-eye rash. Serious health complications can occur if these illnesses are left untreated, so it is important to be alert if a tick bite occurs.

In today’s busy and demanding world, we do not have time for Lyme! Take these steps to protect against ticks:

• Avoid grassy, brushy, or wooded areas with high leaf litter.
  • If you are out in these areas, wear long-sleeved, light-colored clothing especially in highly wooded areas, and walk in the center of trails.
• Treat boots, camping gear, and clothing with products containing 0.5% permethrin.
  • Permethrin is an insecticide that kills ticks on contact.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET, registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Examine pets, clothing, and gear for ticks.
• Carefully check your body for ticks and immediately shower after coming indoors.

If you have been bitten by a tick, remove it as soon as possible. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull upward with even, steady pressure. Do not twist or jerk, as this can cause the mouthparts of the tick to break off and remain in the skin. After removal, clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Lastly, dispose of the tick by placing it in alcohol or a sealed bag, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet.

Pick up your FREE Tick Removal Kit from your local Town or Village Hall in Tioga County! Our tick removal kits include tweezers, an alcohol pad, band aid, and an educational card on different tickborne illnesses, directions on how to remove a tick, and more! 

For more information visit: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/ or “Like” Tioga County Public Health on Facebook.