Living in Pennsylvania comes with the unfortunate risk of contracting Lyme Disease. Lyme Disease is the top tick-borne disease in Pennsylvania, with anaplasmosis and babesiosis also prevalent and on the rise.

Infected ticks are responsible for the bacterial infection that ultimately leads to Lyme Disease. Contracting the disease can be characterized by a distinct circular rash that appears like a bullseye. While ticks can be found around the nation, only certain tick species carry Lyme Disease. In our region, the deer tick is a common carrier of the disease and infects thousands of people each year. The transmission takes place when an infected tick attaches itself to a person (host), bites the host, and then passes the disease to the host.

Taking precautions, especially during tick season can help reduce your chances of contracting Lyme Disease. Should ticks become an issue in your lifestyle, reaching out to a professional pest control company may be your next best move. The following article will cover what the experts have to say about the tick-borne Lyme Disease.

Recent Outbreaks of Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease is on the rise throughout the nation, and Pennsylvania is no exception. In fact, Pennsylvania is one of the leading states for Lyme Disease and has seen more cases each year over the past ten years. Pennsylvania is considered a high-incidence state, which can be noted by the drastic increase in tick bite emergency room visits.

“In Pennsylvania, we’re definitely seeing an increase in Lyme disease. That seems absolutely clear to us. And it’s actually being seen nationwide, as well the increases in anaplasmosis. We feel that is real, and anaplasmosis is being more common in Pennsylvania,” said Leah Lind from the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease include:

A characteristic skin rash (erythema migrans)
Joint pain
Neck Pain
Muscle aches
Fever/sweats/chills
Headache
Fatigue
Arthritis

If left untreated, the infection can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system, leading to more severe health issues.

Why Lyme Disease Is on the Rise

Ticks will emerge in greater numbers as spring arrives, leading to a sharp increase in tick bites and infections. In the past decade, the weather has been warmer and the deer population has grown. Ticks often use deer as a host, and the greater amount of deer has provided breeding opportunities for the deer tick. Further, the U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that ticks are most active when the temperature is above 45 degrees Fahrenheit and thrive when the humidity is at least 85%. The warmer weather has assisted in increased activity in ticks.

Another reason for the apparent rise in cases is the change in reporting criteria. Adjustments in reporting practices in 2022 are expected to reveal a notable uptick in recent years in Lyme disease cases. These adjustments were made due to the shifted focus to reporting COVID-19 cases.

Lyme Disease in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, deer ticks are responsible for spreading tick-borne diseases, including Lyme Disease. Most individuals can make a complete recovery, especially when early treatment takes place and antibiotics are administered. Even if the disease is caught in a later stage, individuals treated with antibiotics have responded positively. Unfortunately, some will experience lasting effects on the nervous system or joints. Further, some infected individuals will continue to experience pain, fatigue, or muscle and joint aches after their antibiotic treatment.

Our experts at Seitz Bros. understand the Pennsylvania tick problem and are educated in the prevalence of Lyme Disease. With this knowledge, our team is equipped to target and eliminate tick populations in the area.

The Best Way to Prevent Lyme Disease

It is always recommended to take preventative measures like wearing the right clothing, avoiding tall grass, and carrying a tick remover, but calling in tick control professionals is the best way to prevent ticks and Lyme Disease. Ticks could be hiding around your home, waiting for the right moment to attach to you, a loved one, or a pet.Seitz Bros is here to help halt Lyme Disease in Pennsylvania and keep you and your loved ones safe. Our licensed professionals apply known effective methods, along with the latest technology to ensure your outdoor spaces are safe. Contact us today to get started!