UPPER ALLEN TOWNSHIP, Pa.–As we begin to spend more time outdoors, experts warn us to take proper precautions against Lyme disease. The Pennsylvania Department of Health launched a Lyme disease awareness campaign at the Trails and Trees Environmental Center in Upper Allen Township, Cumberland County.
It's called "Don't Let a Tick Make You Sick." Experts remind us to be cautious in areas with dense brush or tall grass, to use repellents and wear protective clothing.
Dr. Rachel Levine, the state's Acting Physician General says, "The best thing is prevention. And that would mean wearing long pants and long sleeve shirts and insect repellent usually that would contain DEET."
Levine also stresses the importance of doing tick checks. If you do find a tick, you should promptly remove it. If the tick is removed quickly enough, it can prevent the transmission of the infection.
Lyme disease is a chronic illness transmitted through the bite of an infected blacklegged or deer tick. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches and joint pain. An early symptom is a red rash that looks like a bulls-eye.
Pennsylvania leads the nation in reported cases of Lyme disease.