Lyme Disease-Spreading Ticks Arriving Earlier Than Normal, Study Says

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. – Residents of the entire northeastern United States, including Westchester County, need to be more vigilant than usual about protecting themselves from Lyme Disease-spreading ticks, according to a study by the Cary Institute.

Residents of entire northeastern United States, including Westchester County, need to be more vigilant than usual about protecting themselves from Lyme Disease-spreading ticks, according to a recent study.
Photo Credit: *Flickr user John Tann.*

by Stephanie Mojica

05/19/2015 1:30 p.m.

Warmer spring temperatures in the Northeast have led ticks to search for humans to bite a few weeks earlier than usual, according to the study.

Usually May is the month that Westchester area residents need to keep an eye out for ticks, but people were at risk in April, the study reports.

Using insect repellent, taking showers after being outside for extended periods of time, and visually checking for ticks are good prevention strategies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

People should also check their animals for ticks.

If not promptly diagnosed and treated with antibiotics, Lyme disease can lead to serious complications with joint and muscle pain and nervous system disturbances, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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