Ticks are blood-sucking parasites that are a natural part of the grassy and woods environments of Erie County.  Some of these ticks are important to public health because they can carry organisms that cause disease. 

The most important and probably well-known tick in Erie County is the deer tick.  They are typically found in areas north of Interstate 90.   The deer tick is the carrier of the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease.  Studies on Presque Isle State Park have indicated that approximately 67% of the deer ticks are infected with Lyme Disease.  Sampling of deer ticks in other areas of Erie County indicate a much lower infection rate of between 1% and 5%.

The best prevention is to avoid a bite.  Ticks are actively seeking a host from spring through late fall each year.  Proper clothing in tick habitat includes long pants tucked into socks, a long-sleeved shirt and perhaps a hat.  Use a repellant labeled for clothing application rather than applying chemicals to your skin. 

If a tick is attached to the body, it can be removed with a pair of fine-point tweezers.  Save the tick for identification.  The Erie County Department of Health has a free identification service.  Research indicates that in most cases, the tick must be attached for 36 - 48 hours or more before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted.

The markers of Lyme Disease include flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, headache, fatigue, joint pain and swollen lymph glands.  Most often these follow the appearance of a “bull’s-eye” rash, usually at the site of the tick bite and may last for 3 weeks or more.  The treatment for Lyme Disease and most other tick-borne diseases is a course of antibiotics.  Consult your physician following any tick bite.  For further assistance, call the Erie County Department of Health at (814) 451-6700.

Additional information can be found at the American Lyme Disease Foundation and the Center for Disease Control websites.

This information is distributed by Erie County Department of Health, 606 W. 2nd Street, Erie, PA 16507, 814-451-6700, www.ecdh.org