Health Alert: Check for Ticks, Lyme Disease Prevention Month
Published on May 29, 2026
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) is alerting the community to be aware of the dangers of contracting Lyme Disease and other illnesses as a result of bites from ticks. Ticks have been reported to transmit over 7 different illnesses which can affect people of any age. Tick-borne disease symptoms vary by type of infection and can include fever, fatigue, headache, and rash. In 2025, Tompkins County saw a large spike in tick-related illnesses in the summer months and for Spring 2026 we have seen above average tick-related illnesses; caution is advised.
Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and is spread to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks (or deer ticks). Because Lyme disease is caused by bacteria, re-infection can occur with any bite from an infected tick. While not all deer ticks are infected with the bacteria, Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in New York. A vaccine for Lyme disease is not currently available for human use. While Lyme disease continues to be the most prevalent tick-borne disease in New York State (NYS), other tick-borne diseases, including babesiosis and anaplasmosis, are spreading within the State.
A tick’s life cycle lasts two years. During this time, ticks go through four life stages: egg, six-legged larva, eight-legged nymph, and adult. The nymphs are most active in early spring and are the size of a poppy seed or freckle. They can still transmit disease if they bite, so it is important to do daily full body tick checks, including in body crevices such as armpits, behind the knees, and around genitalia.
Generally, ticks cannot jump or fly onto a person. They wait in plants and cling to animals and humans when they brush by. When spending time outdoors, take special care to prevent tick bites by following the “ABCD method”:
- AVOID: If you can, avoid areas where ticks may be present. If you cannot avoid, be sure to follow these additional steps carefully.
- “BUG” SPRAY: Use tick repellant on clothing and skin that contains 20%-30% DEET. Apply as directed and avoid eyes or mouth. Assist children with applying insect repellent. Treat your clothing, tents and other camping gear with permethrin. Be sure to follow instructions from the manufacturer.
- CHECK FOR TICKS: Perform regular checks for ticks whenever you have been outdoors and do an additional full-body scan at the end of the day. Assist your family members with checking themselves and be sure to check your pets too!
- DRESS FOR PREVENTION: Wear light colored clothing so that ticks are easy to spot. Tuck shirts into pants and tuck pants into socks.
If removal of attached ticks occurs promptly, the risk of tick-borne infection is minimal. For reducing the risk of tick-borne disease, ticks must be removed promptly, as some tick-borne diseases can be transmitted within just a few hours. Checking frequently and removing as soon as possible is essential for reducing risk of disease. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions about a tick bite or tick-borne diseases.
The New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) has created a video on proper tick removal and a printable card with steps on how to remove ticks.
- Grasp the mouthparts with tweezers as close as possible to the attachment (skin) site. Be careful not to squeeze, crush or puncture the body of the tick, which may contain infectious fluids.
- Pull firmly and steadily upward to remove the tick.
- After removing the tick, thoroughly disinfect the bite site and wash hands.
- See or call a doctor if there are concerns about incomplete tick removal.
- Do not attempt to remove ticks by using petroleum jelly, lit cigarettes or other home remedies because these may actually increase the chance of contracting a tick-borne disease.
- Monitor the site of the bite for the next 30 days for the appearance of a rash.
- If you experience symptoms such as a rash (especially in the area of a prior tick bite), fever, chills, body aches/pains, flu-like symptoms, or fatigue, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has developed an interactive tool that will assist individuals on removing attached ticks and determining when to seek health care, if appropriate, after a tick bite. The online mobile-friendly tool asks a series of questions covering topics such as tick attachment time and symptoms. Based on the user's responses, the tool then provides information about recommended actions and resources.
TCWH Director of Community Health Services Rachel Buckwalter (RN, BSN) stated, “With the warmer weather, people are more likely to encounter ticks, as they live in our lawns as well as our parks and forests. Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases are very serious and debilitating illnesses that can be easily prevented by taking proper steps. Be sure to check yourself and your family members (pets too) for ticks after being outdoors.”
Buckwalter continued, “The common rule is that if a tick has been attached to you and is engorged (body of tick is larger, filled with blood), you should consult your healthcare provider about their recommended next steps. If you develop symptoms (such as a fever or muscle aches) or a rash where the bite occurred in the weeks after a tick bite, contact your healthcare provider to discuss treatment options.”
If you or your organization would like more education on ticks and preventing tick-borne diseases, contact our Community Health Services at: 607-274-6604. Please visit our website to learn more about ticks, including helpful pictures for tick identification and videos on proper tick removal.
Tompkins County Whole Health: envisioning a future where every person in Tompkins County can achieve wellness. Find us online at: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health and follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X. Sign up to receive Whole Health updates or other county announcements via email or text.
-end-