As tick season reaches its peak, Pennsylvanians are reminded of the importance of taking precautions to avoid tickborne diseases, particularly Lyme disease, for which the state leads the nation in cases. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has introduced an online dashboard that provides real-time data on tick prevalence and tickborne disease activity, aiming to keep residents informed and safe.
To minimize the risk of tick bites while enjoying outdoor activities, residents should adopt several preventative measures. Clothing and gear should be treated with products containing 0.5% permethrin, an effective repellent. Additionally, the use of Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents is strongly recommended.
When outdoors, stick to the center of trails and avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter, where ticks are commonly found. Upon returning indoors, it is crucial to check clothing, gear, and pets for ticks. Showering within two hours of being outdoors can help reduce the risk of tick attachment and disease transmission. Conduct a thorough body check using a full-length mirror to ensure no ticks are missed.
For the latest information and data, residents are encouraged to visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s online dashboard.