Shapiro administration officials representing the Departments of Health (DOH), Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and Environmental Protection (DEP) gathered at Memorial Lake State Park in Dauphin County to stress the importance of protection against Lyme disease and tick bites.

Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen stressed that Pennsylvania residents need to take proactive steps before and after spending time outdoors to minimize contact with ticks. “A few simple steps can make a big difference in protecting against Lyme disease,” Bogen noted.

Pennsylvania consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of Lyme disease cases, with 11,263 confirmed cases this year, so the Department of Health recently launched an online dashboard to increase public awareness of tick-borne diseases and areas with high tick prevalence.

DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn emphasized the dual benefits of outdoor activities for mental and physical health, while acknowledging the need to be vigilant about tick prevention. Pennsylvania has 124 state parks and over 2.2 million acres of state forest, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities that require preventative measures.

DEP Deputy Secretary John Ryder addressed the broader problems of insect-borne diseases, including those transmitted by mosquitoes. He outlined the steps DEP is taking to monitor and control the mosquito population and advocated the use of EPA-approved insect repellents and protective clothing during peak activity times.

In addition to DEET-based repellents, authorities recommend using products containing picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil. Ticks are not only found in rural and forested areas, but are also common in urban areas and thrive in leaf litter, tall grass and shrubbery.

The most important preventive measures include wearing light-colored clothing to easily spot ticks, using permethrin on clothing and equipment, and thoroughly checking the body, children, and pets for ticks after outdoor activities. Washing clothes at high temperatures and taking showers can additionally help eliminate ticks.

The Shapiro administration hopes these measures will encourage Pennsylvanians to safely spend time outdoors, which has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of chronic disease, lower stress levels and promote social connection. For more information on preventing Lyme disease, residents can visit the DOH’s tick-borne diseases webpage.