Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by black-legged ticks, commonly known as “deer ticks.” The bacteria is one of 16 tick-borne pathogens the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is tracking in the U.S.; six appear in New York. From 2013 to 2016, one-quarter of Americans infected with Lyme Disease were New Yorkers.

Lyme, like many other tick-borne diseases, can affect the skin, joints, nervous system, and/or heart. It is treatable and curable in most instances. Many tick-borne diseases are regionally isolated, as are the ticks that carry them. However, as the climate changes, the geographic range of ticks, and the reach of the diseases they carry, expands. This has attracted researchers to New York State.

An early symptom of Lyme Disease is a bull’s eye ring around a tick bite.

Experts say checking for ticks, either on one’s person or on children, from “head to toe” is important after being outdoors, particularly in wooded or high grass areas.

In order to safeguard yourself and your family from Lyme Disease, officials offer the following recommendations:

• Wear a good insect repellent while outside containing DEET.
• Spray clothes and boots with an insect spray containing Permethrin.
• Avoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter.
• Keep high grass and weeds cut back at home.
• Shower to remove insect spray and check yourself for ticks.
• Check pets for ticks. Ask veterinarians about flea and tick prevention.

Lyme Disease is something to take seriously, especially during the warm months of July, August and September.