With Pennsylvania consistently ranking among the top 10 states for Lyme disease cases, state officials are reminding residents to take steps to prevent tick bites while enjoying the outdoors this summer.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), has released updated guidance to help the public protect themselves from ticks, which are active across all 67 counties in the state. In 2024, Pennsylvania recorded 16,620 lab-confirmed Lyme disease cases.
Although most Lyme disease cases can be successfully treated with antibiotics if caught early, untreated infections can lead to more serious complications involving joints, the heart, and the nervous system.
Ticks are commonly found in leaf litter, tall grasses, weeds, and shrubs, but can also lurk in backyards, local parks, and urban green spaces. To assist with risk awareness, the DOH has launched an online dashboard tracking tick prevalence across the state.
Prevention is key. DCNR recommends wearing light-colored clothing to help spot ticks easily and covering exposed skin while outdoors. Residents should use EPA-approved insect repellents and treat clothing and gear with permethrin. After returning indoors, thorough tick checks on oneself, children, and pets are essential. Showering promptly and placing worn clothes in a dryer on high heat can also reduce the chance of infection.
The Shapiro Administration emphasizes that with proper precautions, residents can still safely enjoy the outdoors. Benefits include improved cardiovascular health, reduced stress, stronger muscles and bones, and a greater sense of community connection.
For more information about tick bite prevention and Lyme disease, residents are encouraged to visit the Department of Health’s Tickborne Diseases webpage. Details on outdoor activities and safety tips are also available on DCNR’s website.
Source: PA DCNR