Look Out CNY: Tick-Borne Diseases Spreading Rapidly

The Centers for Disease Control is issuing new warnings about the rapid spread of tick-borne diseases, and urge you to take precautions.

Tick season is underway in Central New York and now The Centers for Disease Control is warning people to use extra caution to prevent the spread of insect-borne disease. The CDC released statistics showing cases of illness from mosquito, tick, and flea bites tripled in the US, from 2004 to 2016.

According to the CDC, between 2004 and 2016, more than 640,000 cases insect-borne diseases were reported, and 9 new germs spread by bites from infected mosquitoes and ticks were discovered or introduced in the US. Yikes.

What Can You Do To Protect Against These Diseases?

• Use an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Take steps to control ticks and fleas on pets.
• Find and remove ticks daily from family and pets.
• Take steps to control mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas inside and outside your home.

New York State reported more tick-borne illnesses than nearly any other state in the US, except for Pennsylvania, from 2004-2016.

Remember to protect your pets from ticks as well - ticks can be found anywhere - including your backyard. Enjoy the outdoors in Central New York, but enjoy it safely.

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