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ANDREW J. SPANO, Westchester County Executive

JOSHUA LIPSMAN, M.D., M.P.H., Commissioner of Health

SUSAN TOLCHIN, Director of Communications

CONTACT: SUSAN TOLCHIN (914) 995-2932

MARY LANDRIGAN (914) 813-5013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 9, 2003

TICKBORNE DISEASE AWARENESS WEEK

Westchester County Executive Andrew J. Spano today proclaimed the week of May 11- 17, 2003 as Tickborne Disease Awareness Week in Westchester County.

"Tickborne Disease Awareness Week is designed to encourage residents to learn what they need to know about preventing tickborne diseases, such as Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis, and to take the necessary precautions to prevent these diseases. A couple of summers ago I had a tickborne disease so I now know how important it is to take precautions against tick bites," stated County Executive Andrew J. Spano who contracted ehrlichiosis and is now fully recovered.

"Efforts to heighten public awareness about tickborne illnesses are in full swing," stated Joshua Lipsman, M.D., M.P.H., Commissioner of Health for Westchester County. "Tickborne disease educational materials are being

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distributed throughout the community and educational presentations are being made to school children and community organizations."

The most well-known tickborne disease, Lyme disease, is a potentially serious disease caused by a bacterium

called a spirochete. The spirochete is passed on to people and domestic animals through the bite of an infected deer tick. The most common symptom is an expanding red rash, typically a bull's-eye rash, often at the site of the tick bite. The rash usually appears three to 30 days after the bite and may last for several weeks. Other symptoms may include fever, sore throat, fatigue, sleeping difficulties, joint and muscle pain, swollen glands and dizziness.

Another tickborne disease, ehrlichiosis, is also spread through the bite of an infected deer tick. Dual infection with both erhlichiosis and Lyme disease is possible. Symptoms of ehrlichiosis can include fever, headache, chills, malaise, and muscle and joint aches. Low platelet count and low white blood cell count can also occur.

Ticks are most commonly found in grassy or wooded areas. They do not jump or fly, but instead stay low to the ground and grab onto animals and humans that brush up against them. Avoiding tick bites is the best defense against tickborne diseases. To protect yourself from being bitten, always be sure to:

· Make it a habit of doing tick checks at least daily each and every time you and your family return home from enjoying outdoor activities. Inspect the entire body and remove ticks promptly. Ticks usually must be attached and feed for at least 48 hours before transmitting Lyme disease so tick

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checks and removal at least daily are the most effective means of preventing tickborne diseases.

· Avoid tick-infested areas (wooded or grassy areas), especially in May, June and July when nymphal deer ticks are most active.

· Wear light-colored, tightly-woven clothes to spot ticks more easily. Tuck your pants into socks and shirt into pants.

· Use insect repellents with no more than 30% DEET, but use them sparingly and with care. Products containing 10% or less DEET are recommended for children up to five years of age, but products containing DEET should not be used on infants.

· Carefully read and follow directions on the container and wash treated skin when tick exposure has ended.

· Use landscaping measures around your home or property to make it less attractive for deer and ticks. Consult your local nursery for advice.

For further information on tickborne diseases and their prevention, call the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000 or the County's Lyme disease Information Line at (914) 813-LYME, or visit the Department’s website at www.westchestergov.com/health.

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