Health Department

Lyme disease and several other devastating tick-borne diseases are on the rise in New York due to an increase in the prevalence of ticks and human-tick encounters. The best way to prevent tickborne diseases is to prevent tick bites. In New York State, tickborne illnesses are most often transmitted between early spring and late fall since ticks are

most active during warm months.

Avoiding contact with ticks and treating clothing and gear are some ways to be proactive when heading outdoors. Once you come in examine yourself, children and pets for ticks and take a shower. If you find a tick attached to your skin, there’s no need to panic—the key is to remove the tick as soon as possible.

Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

They Wyoming County Health Department is offering free tick removal kits to residents until they run out.  Each kit contains precision tweezers, a small magnifying lens, antiseptic pads and an identification card with information about deer ticks and ways to prevent Lyme disease, which the ticks transmit.

 Residents interested in receiving a tick kit can contact the Health Department or stop in, 5362 Mungers Mill Rd. Silver Springs Monday-Friday 8:00am- 4:30pm.