Putnam Residents Hit The Trails, But So Do Ticks

BREWSTER, NY — The warmer weather and "cabin fever" have many people heading outdoors for some relief. Putnam officials report high usage of local trails, so the health department wants to remind everyone about ticks.

While the new coronavirus continues to be a worry, ticks are as always on the increase with the spring weather. They specially like the humidity.

“Our community has many beautiful parks and trails to explore and for many of our residents, our natural landscape has been a saving grace during this challenging time. We encourage people to continue to enjoy the outdoor spaces and also take appropriate precautions to stay healthy, which includes preventing tickborne illnesses,” said Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell in a safety announcement.

The Putnam County Department of Health wants to remind everyone to protect themselves.

Wearing a mask or face covering outdoors (when social distancing cannot be maintained) now goes hand-in-hand with other safeguards such as tick repellant and protective clothing to reduce the chance of infection with a tick-borne disease.

Five tick-borne illnesses infect residents in the Hudson Valley. While Lyme disease is the most common and the most well-known, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and babesiosis are increasing as well. Powassan disease, a rarer and potentially deadly infection, is also carried by the same black-legged tick, or “deer tick,” that transmits Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and babesiosis.

"While tick populations vary each season, if you garden, hike, camp, hunt, work or otherwise spend time in the outdoors, you should still protect yourself,” said Health Commissioner Michael J. Nesheiwat, MD. "Personal protection and habitual tick checks on both your clothing and your body are key."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents such as those containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. “Personal protection can include use of EPA-registered repellents as well as treating clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin or wearing pre-treated clothing,” adds Dr. Nesheiwat.

Permethrin remains protective through several washings. To find the repellent that is right for you, search the Environmental Protection Agency database.

Researchers at tickcheck.com estimate that there were 27,680 cases of Lyme Disease in Putnam County between 2000-16. They mapped confirmed cases across New York State using CDC data:

The Putnam County Department of Health works closely with healthcare providers to share the most up-to-date recommendations and best practices for evaluating, diagnosing and reporting tick-borne illnesses. A physician makes the final diagnosis based on a combination of available tests, observation of the patient, and the patient history as well as description of symptoms.

The most common symptoms of Lyme disease include fever/chills, aches and pains, and a bulls-eye rash.

"Because Lyme disease is prevalent in our area, residents who have been bitten by a tick and develop any of these symptoms within 30 days should visit their healthcare provider," said Dr. Nesheiwat.

For more details regarding the symptoms and guidelines for tickborne illnesses, visit the CDC’s webpage.

SEE ALSO: Putnam To Give Out Masks At Senior Centers: COVID Update