As summer approaches, people are starting to travel and engage in outdoor activities in New York City. The city’s health department is urging residents to take more precautions to protect themselves and their families from tick-borne diseases. Ticks carrying pathogens that can cause tick-borne diseases have been found on Staten Island and in the northern Bronx, as well as in many forested areas outside the city, including Long Island, upstate New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease among New York City residents, followed by babesiosis and anaplasmosis.
Michelle Morse, Acting Commissioner of the New York City Health Department, said that residents should take multiple precautions to prevent tick bites, including using EPA-registered tick repellents. After visiting areas where ticks may be present, thoroughly check yourself, your children, and pets for ticks.
Richard Simon, Director of Wildlife for the Parks Department, advised residents to stick to clearly marked hiking trails when entering parks or mountainous areas to avoid brushing against foliage. It’s important to remember that ticks can even be found in short grass. He also recommended applying insect repellent to clothing and shoes, tucking pants into socks, and wearing light-colored clothing that makes it easier to spot ticks to protect oneself from tick bites.