With warmer weather arriving, Putnam County health officials are urging residents to take precautions against tick bites as the season ramps up and the risk of disease increases.
The Putnam County Department of Health said ticks become active once temperatures rise above freezing, with smaller nymph ticks emerging in May and remaining active through mid-summer. Those nymphs account for most human infections because they are difficult to detect.
“Every year we see a seasonal increase in human cases of tickborne disease that corresponds to tick activity,” said Alison Kaufman, an epidemiologist with the department.
Preliminary 2025 data shows that more than half of the county’s 466 reported Lyme disease cases were diagnosed between May and August. The concentration is even higher for other tickborne illnesses, with roughly three-quarters of anaplasmosis and babesiosis cases reported during those months.
Health officials said common symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, fatigue, headache and a spreading rash that may resemble a bullseye. Anaplasmosis and babesiosis can cause fever, chills and muscle aches, and may lead to severe illness in older adults or those with weakened immune systems.
Ticks are commonly found in moist, shaded areas such as leaf litter, tall grass, and shrubs. To reduce the risk of bites, officials recommend wearing long sleeves and pants, using EPA-approved insect repellents and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors.
Residents are also advised to dry clothes on high heat after being outside, shower promptly and conduct full-body tick checks, paying close attention to areas such as behind the ears, under the arms and along the scalp.
If a tick is found, it should be removed with fine-tipped tweezers by grasping close to the skin and pulling straight out. Officials caution against using home remedies such as heat or petroleum jelly, which can increase the risk of disease transmission.
Health officials emphasize that prompt removal and vigilance can significantly reduce the likelihood of illness during peak tick season.
Additional resources are available online:
Putnam County Department of Health Tickborne Illnesses page: https://putnamcountyny.gov/health/tickborne
New York State Department of Health Lyme disease information: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/lyme/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency tips to prevent tick bites: https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/tips-prevent-tick-bites
Article provided by Putnam County Health Department
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