Pennsylvania

Ticks Found in Every County in Pennsylvania

Researchers warned Pennsylvania residents of an increased risk of Lyme disease after a study found ticks present in every county throughout the commonwealth for the very first time.

Black-legged ticks or deer ticks, a carrier of the disease, were found in all 67 counties in the state, according to the Department of Environmental Protection and Indiana University of Pennsylvania study.

"With increased exposure to ticks, there is a greater likelihood of getting bitten and getting Lyme disease," Dr. Schuchman of Tick Borne Disease Center of Southeastern Pennsylvania warned.

The small ticks carry the Borrelia burgdoferi bacteria which causes Lyme can display a variety of symptoms if bitten. The symptoms are often confused with other viruses and infections.

"The more common presenting symptoms are flu-like symptoms," Dr. Schuchman said. "Others are joint pains, fatigue and tiredness, which are very common." 

Experts urge people to cover up when spending time in open fields and avoid wooded areas, which tend to be more prone to ticks.

"The easiest way to avoid ticks is to avoid their environment," Dr. Schuchman said. "Ninety-nine percent of ticks usually come from the ground up, so you should put on insect repellent spray from the knees down if you're spending time outdoors."

Schuchman also recommended that people to do a full body check to help prevent further transmission. 

"Look, see and observe is the really the best method," he said.

While tick bite symptoms can take several weeks to show, contacting a physician is the best method to reaching a diagnosis. 

"The most important thing to do is to call your physician and listen to what your physician says," he said. "It's important to remember that each patient is different and needs to be treated individually."

Pennsylvania reported the most cases of the tick-borne illness in nation for the past five years.

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