Albany County Department of Health Reminds Residents to Protect Against Ticks

With warm weather drawing more people outside, Albany County officials remind residents to take simple steps to protect themselves and their families from tick-borne diseases. Tick activity is already increasing, and the Albany County Executive and Albany County Commissioner of Health emphasize that prevention, awareness, and early detection are the best ways to stay safe.

Health officials note a rise in tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and babesiosis. Warmer winters, longer tick seasons, and improved awareness contribute to these increases in trends.

"Tick-borne diseases are a growing threat to public health, particularly as warmer weather brings more residents outdoors. Our priority is to ensure that individuals and families have the information and tools they need to protect themselves. By taking preventive measures and staying informed, we can significantly reduce the incidence of tick-borne diseases in our county," said the Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy.

The Albany County Department of Health's public outreach efforts this season include distributing educational materials and tick removal kits, providing community presentations, and offering guidance for healthcare providers on early detection and treatment.

"As we enter peak tick season, prevention is truly our best defense. Simple steps, such as using insect repellent, and wearing long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas, can make a meaningful difference. Be vigilant and be sure to complete a head-to-to-toe tick check after coming indoors. If you do experience symptoms after a tick bite, such as rash, fever, or muscle or joint aches, we encourage residents to promptly seek medical care," said the Commissioner of Health Kristen A. Navarette, MD, MPH."

County officials urge residents to take preventive measures when spending time outdoors in wooded, brushy, or grassy areas- including backyards:

• Use EPA-registered insect repellents.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants.
• Perform full-body tick checks after spending time outdoors.
• Remove ticks promptly and correctly.
• Check clothing for ticks and remove if found, as they can be carried indoors. Tumble-dry clothing on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any remaining ticks or wash in hot water.

"Prevention takes only a few minutes," Navarette said." Simple steps taken now can protect you and your family from serious illness."

For more information on tick-borne disease prevention, visit the Albany County Department of Health page on our website and click on Tick-Borne Disease Prevention or call (518) 447-4648.

###