Health Advisory: Lyme Disease and Other Tickborne Diseases in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) identified recent sustained increases in tick bite-related emergency department visits in nearly all regions of the state. This trend was expected, as 

tick exposures in Pennsylvania generally increase during spring and summer months and serves as 

an important reminder that tickborne diseases occur seasonally in Pennsylvania. In addition, an 

increase in persons seeking care for Lyme disease (LD) and other tickborne diseases is anticipated 

in the coming weeks to months as the peak period for the onset of LD and other deer tick related 

illnesses is late May through early August. As tick bites increase, health care providers should have 

a heightened clinical suspicion for tickborne diseases, although tickborne diseases can occur any 

time of the year. Read more.