Pomona, NY – It’s summer! Time to enjoy fun in the sun, but also time to be extra careful when working or playing outside to reduce the risk of getting Lyme disease.

Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection spread by the bite of an infected deer tick. Deer ticks can bite any time throughout the year, however most people are infected through the bite of the immature ticks called nymphs. They are most active May – September. Nymphs are tiny (about the size of a poppy seed) and difficult to see.

Deer ticks continue to be found in Rockland County, so it is important to protect yourself, your family, and your pets from Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections. To reduce your chances of getting a tick bite, follow these 4 simple steps:

1. Do a tick check.

When outside, check your skin and clothing for ticks. Check often when in grassy or wooded areas. Check yourself again when you come inside. This time do a full check of your skin for any ticks. This is easily done when you bathe or shower. Check your children and pets too!

2. Remove ticks quickly and correctly.

Remove any attached ticks using this method: grab the tick as close to the skin as possible with a pair of fine- tipped tweezers. Do not twist, turn, or squeeze the tick’s body. Instead, pull the tick in a steady, upward motion away from the skin until the tick lets go. If you remove an attached tick within 36 hours, the risk of infection is less. Cornell Cooperative Extension can let you know if the removed tick is a deer tick. Their number is 845-429-7085.

3. Dress to protect.

Wear light colored clothing, such as white or pastels. Wear a long sleeved shirt, long pants, socks and shoes. Tuck your shirt into your pants and pant legs into your socks. Wear sneakers or boots rather than sandals when in grassy areas. Tie back long hair or wear a hat.

4. Consider the use of an insect repellent.

Some products should only be used on clothing, never on the skin. Carefully follow the directions on the product label. Talk to your pediatrician about using repellents on children. Never let children put repellents on themselves.

After a tick bite, watch for symptoms of Lyme disease for 30 days. Symptoms can include tiredness, headache, neck stiffness, slight fever, swollen glands, and pain or stiffness of muscles or joints. Some people will get a pink-red rash that gets bigger, called a “bulls-eye” rash. If you have any of these or are feeling ill, see your doctor. In most cases when Lyme disease is found and treated early, it results in a complete cure. For more information, call the Rockland County Department of Health at 845-364-2501.

(YWN Monsey Newsroom)