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.