AHN Infectious Disease Experts Share Tips to Stay Safe from Ticks This Summer

PITTSBURGH - The 2026 tick season is off to a fast start, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting an increase in emergency department visits for tick bites nationwide. During Lyme Disease Awareness Month, infectious disease specialists with Allegheny Health Network (AHN) are encouraging the public to remain vigilant against ticks while still enjoying warm-weather activities.

"Ticks are active throughout much of the spring and summer, but that doesn't mean people should avoid the outdoors altogether," said Michelle Paulson, MD, AHN infectious disease specialist. "By taking practical precautions and knowing what to look for, you can significantly reduce your risk and continue to enjoy outdoor activities safely."

Lyme disease is the most commonly reported tickborne disease in Pennsylvania, according to the PA Department of Health. It is caused by a bacterial infection known as Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted through the bite of a black-legged tick, also known as a deer tick or Ixodes tick. The risk of transmission increases the longer a tick remains attached to the skin.

Spring ticks are often difficult to see or feel on the skin because they are still in the nymph stage, about the size of a poppy seed. That's why reported Lyme Disease cases typically spike in late spring and early summer. Late summer ticks can also transmit Lyme, but they are much larger, more easily observed, and more likely to be removed before attaching to the skin.

AHN experts recommend taking the following precautions when spending time outdoors:

• Avoid unnecessary exposure to tall, grassy and wooded areas where ticks are commonly found.
• Use insect repellents containing DEET on exposed skin, and apply permethrin to clothing when anticipating prolonged outdoor exposure.
• Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves, long pants, and socks, to limit direct skin contact.
• Shower as soon as possible after outdoor activities, which may help remove ticks that have not yet embedded.
• Perform thorough tick checks, paying special attention to the scalp, behind the knees, under the arms, and other hard-to-see areas.

If a tick is found embedded in the skin, it should be removed as promptly as possible. Individuals should note when they believe the bite may have occurred, as the length of time a tick has been attached can influence the risk of Lyme disease transmission.

Anyone who has been bitten by a tick should promptly contact a medical provider. In some cases, a preventive antibiotic such as doxycycline may be recommended to reduce the risk of developing early Lyme disease if certain criteria are met.

Early Lyme disease may cause a distinctive rash known as erythema migrans at the site of the bite. If this rash or other concerning symptoms develop, medical evaluation and treatment are important.

"Prompt treatment of Lyme disease is critical," Dr. Paulson said. "Without treatment, the infection can progress and potentially affect the nervous system, heart and joints."

To learn more about how to stay safe from ticks, visit https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/prevention.

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