As we continue into the summer season, it is important to remember that as the heat starts to pick up, ticks will be in abundance throughout the state. Since 2011, Indiana County, along with the southwest area of Pennsylvania, is home to one of the highest tick populations in the state.
On Indiana in the Morning yesterday, host Josh Widdowson interviewed IUP professor Tom Simmons, whose area of interest is researching Pennsylvania ticks and their effects on human life. During the interview, Dr. Simmons broke down one of the most common diseases spread by ticks: Lyme Disease.
Lyme Disease is spread after a tick burrows into a person and forms a bullseye shape. Dr. Simmons also explained that the bullseye is a good indicator of Lyme Disease infection.
The PA Department of Health says other symptoms of Lyme Disease include nausea, fever, muscle aches and joint pain. Early detection and appropriate medication can cure Lyme Disease rapidly, and if you come into contact with a tick, you can remove it by:
- Using fine-tipped tweezers to grab the tick as close to your skin as possible.
- Pull steady and upward , removing the tick in whole from your body.
- After removing the tick, clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
A link to the full list of tick-borne diseases can be found here. In addition, more facts regarding tick bites and Lyme Disease can be found on the Department of Health’s website at health.pa.gov.
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