Tick Season is Here: Protect Yourself from Disease

The warmer weather brings more outdoor activities to the forefront, and Schuyler County Public Health is encouraging residents and visitors to take precautions against tick-borne diseases as they spend more time outside. Although not all ticks may be carrying disease, it is best to take precautions in case you encounter a tick that does. Lyme disease remains the most common disease transmitted by ticks in the area, but other diseases exist as well.

"Spending time outdoors can be great for people's health," said Public Health Director, Jill Kasprzyk. "Making sure to take proper precautions and checking for ticks after being outside is important for preventing tick-borne diseases like Lyme."

To protect yourself against tick-borne diseases, consider the following:

• Apply insect repellent with 30% DEET before going outside.
• Avoid heavily wooded or brushy areas.
• Wear protective clothing and footwear. Light colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks. Permethrin can also be applied directly to clothes for added protection. It cannot be applied to skin and is toxic to cats.
• After being outdoors, check yourself for any ticks. Remember to check pets for ticks as well.
• If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible.

Tick removal kits are available at no charge in the following locations in Schuyler County:

• Schuyler County Public Health, Treasurer's Office, Real Property Office, Clerk's Office, Shared Services Building and the Human Services Complex
• The main town and village buildings for each Schuyler County municipality: Catharine, Cayuta, Dix, Hector, Montour, Orange, Reading, Tyrone, Burdett, Montour Falls, Odessa and Watkins Glen

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) conducted tick sampling in the fall of 2023 at the Watkins Glen State Park, and results were recently shared with Schuyler County Public Health. The NYSODH sampling targeted deer ticks and found the presence of ticks that carried Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus. Following the precautions above can help to keep residents and visitors healthy. Learn more about the results of the sampling conducted by visiting https://health.data.ny.gov/stories/s/fkdr-6a5t.