Warmer weather is bringing Central New Yorkers outdoors and into possible contact with ticks and the diseases they carry.
Ticks are more active than in the past due to milder winters, and there are different kinds of ticks.
“More ticks are testing positive for pathogens than they have in the past," said Melissa Rowe, Executive Director of the CNY Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Alliance. "There are multiple different co-infections that people can be exposed to in addition to Lyme disease.”
Rowe said a single tick can transmit pathogens like bacteria, viruses, or other parasites. She added awareness and prevention are increasing as the Alliance gets the word out.
“I think people are becoming more sensitive to it, but you don't always think about the long-term impact of things until you see it yourself," Rowe said. "And sadly enough, that is becoming the case. There are almost 20,000 New Yorkers a year that are diagnosed with this and close to a half a million in the country. So it's growing and it's scary.”
The Alliance distributes nearly 2,000 tick kits at events across the region in May, which is Lyme Awareness Month.
“So it's a nice little pouch that clips under your bag so you can take it with you," Rowe said as she opened up a kit. "The most important piece in here, I think, is the identification information. There's actually a magnifying glass in there too to help you be able to see them because they can be very, very, very small."
Rowe said insect repellent with DEET, long sleeves, long socks, and long pants are good barriers. She said knowing the risks, recognizing ticks and tick bites, and awareness of early symptoms of illness are essential for early intervention.
The Alliance is hosting its 5th annual Legs against Lyme walk May 30th at Onondaga Lake Park.
