Ticks pose Lyme disease threat
Running from the coronavirus with an outdoors excursion might just lead people straight into the arms of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease.
With the passing of a mild winter, state officials expect this year's tick-season to be significant. And with social distancing being the name of the game amidst coronavirus precautions, outdoor activities have become the only acceptable, even promoted, activity to engage in.
“We know that warmer winters have been problematic in the past when it comes to ticks. The warmer the winter, the earlier the ticks will re-emerge, and also the fewer die off because they can survive the winter,” said Nate Wardle, a spokesman for the state's Department of Health, “So, at this point, we don't know for sure, but we certainly are concerned as to what the warm winter could mean for Lyme disease this year.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pennsylvania had the third-highest incidence of Lyme disease in the country in 2017, with 9,250 confirmed cases and 2,650 probable cases.
Lyme disease causes fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, joint pain, skin rash that looks like a bull's eye (occurs in approximately 70 percent to 80 percent of infected persons) and other general symptoms may occur in the absence of rash.
Heading into tick season, Pennsylvania — like most states — remains under state-at-home orders due to the coronavirus. The virus can cause mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, up to more severe illnesses and possibly death.
In the past, the CDC identified Butler, Clarion, Armstrong, Jefferson, Indiana, Elk, Clearfield and Cameron counties as high incidence areas for Lyme disease, with an average of 100 new cases for every 100,000 residents between 2010 and 2014.
Officials noted that this year's season is too early to know how widespread the disease will be.
“It's something that, unfortunately, goes hand-in-hand with all outdoor activities, and we've been dealing with it proactively for many years,” said Mike Parker, commission communications director.
On Tuesday, state officials announced the surprise opening of trout season two weeks early, leading thousands of eager anglers to take to waterways. Additionally, prominent recreation spots like the Butler-Freeport Community Trail are reporting higher-than-normal-traffic due to the stay-at-home orders.
For those who are taking advantage of the trout season, the state Fish and Boat Commission recommends applying a tick repellent.
And in Moraine State Park, the reduced park staff is focusing on maintaining trails by cutting tall grass where ticks like to dwell and jump onto passersby, according to Dustin Drew, park manager.
“We still consider that the most important thing in defending against ticks,” Drew said. “We've had to re-prioritize to what's essential to keeping the park operating until things change with the facility closure.”
Unlike previous years, people cannot visit a medical center if they suspect or show signs of Lyme disease. Coronavirus precautions prevent on-site visits and people instead are instructed to contact their medical provider and arrange an online appointment.
A spokesperson for Butler Memorial Hospital suggested people call their primary care physician for instructions on how to do that. If the provider deems it necessary, an office visit could be arranged.
