Allegheny County Warns of Rising Tick-Borne Illness Risk as Researchers Collect Thousands Each Summer
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 5
Allegheny County Warns of Rising Tick-Borne Illness Risk as Researchers Collect Thousands Each Summer
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 5
Summary
Allegheny County health officials warned that tick-borne illness risk is increasing, with blacklegged ticks in Pittsburgh-area parks, ravines and backyards carrying pathogens tied to Lyme disease, babesiosis and anaplasmosis.
Thousands of ticks collected each summer across Allegheny and nearby counties show a rise in those pathogens, researchers said, even though yearly tick counts fluctuate with winter severity and precipitation.
Pittsburgh’s urban green corridors and frequent deer activity bring tick habitat close to homes, meaning residents can be exposed without traveling deep into the woods.
Officials urged residents to use repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, stay on trails, check bodies and children after coming indoors, dry clothes on high heat, and protect pets from carrying ticks inside.