Shenango Valley News

May 23, 2024

HARRISBURG – May 2024 has been designated as Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illness Month in Pennsylvania, following a resolution introduced by Sen. Michele Brooks (R-50). This initiative is part of her ongoing effort to enhance the health and quality of life for residents of the commonwealth.

“With families looking to spend time outdoors this Memorial Day weekend, Pennsylvanians need to know about the dangers and seriousness associated with tick bites and Lyme disease,” Brooks stated. “This resolution is intended to increase awareness and protect Pennsylvania families. We are blessed in Pennsylvania to have wonderful land and beautiful waterways that provide countless opportunities for outdoor recreational activities. That also makes our commonwealth a hotbed for tick-borne disease transmission. Pennsylvanians and visitors should know how to protect themselves against this threat and steps to take when bitten by a tick.”

Lyme disease is widespread in the commonwealth, with cases reported in all 67 counties. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Pennsylvania reports more Lyme disease cases than any other state. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that Pennsylvania had the highest incidence of Lyme disease in the United States in 10 of the past 11 years. Approximately one in four cases occur in children, with those aged five to nine at greatest risk.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection primarily transmitted through an infected blacklegged tick bite. Symptoms typically include fever, headache, fatigue, and a rash. If untreated, infections can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.

Ticks pose additional threats beyond Lyme disease. Nearly 55% of ticks tested in Pennsylvania in 2022 were found infected with at least one tick-borne pathogen.

Brooks introduced Senate Resolution 287 as part of her broader effort to raise awareness about and reduce the spread of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses in Pennsylvania.

She also sponsored Senate Bill 232 to ensure parents and guardians receive necessary information for diagnosis and treatment after a tick is removed from their child at school. The bill would require school officials to notify parents in writing about the tick removal and provide information on Lyme disease symptoms. The notification would include the date of removal and recommend that parents or guardians seek prompt medical treatment.

The bill further mandates that schools preserve ticks so they can be sent by parents or guardians for free testing at East Stroudsburg University’s tick lab for diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or Powassan virus. Schools also have the option to send ticks for testing themselves.

The bill was approved by the state Senate and is currently awaiting consideration by the House Education Committee.

Residents can learn more about submitting a tick sample and obtaining test results necessary for doctors' treatment plans at TickLab.org.

CONTACT: Adam Gingrich, 717-787-1322

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