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Lyme Ticks in New York State

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria transmitted by tick bites. Ticks are Arachnids, the same class of animals as spiders. All ticks are wingless and have four pairs of legs, each containing a small suction cup. Ticks are divided into two major groups: soft ticks and hard ticks. It is the hard ticks that are the carriers of many diseases, including Lyme disease. According to the New York State Department of Health, since 1986, the state has had over 77,000 reported cases of Lyme Disease.

  1. Deer Ticks (Black-Legged Ticks)

    • Deer ticks, also called black-legged ticks, can be found in open fields and grassy areas, especially near woods. Adult deer ticks are approximately the size of a sesame seed. Males are black; females are larger than males and have a red body and a black shield near their head. Deer ticks have been found in the Bronx and Staten Island, living off of the deer present in those two areas of New York City. They are abundant throughout Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester and many counties in upstate New York. Deer ticks will attach to humans and can transmit Lyme Disease.

    American Dog Ticks

    • The American dog tick is the most commonly found tick in New York state. Dog ticks are most abundant in coastal areas, particularly on Long Island, but they are also found along the lower Hudson River and in isolated areas of western New York. The dog tick is reddish brown with white or yellow markings. The male is approximately 1/8 inch long, the female a little larger. Dog ticks very rarely attach to humans, but typically transmit Lyme disease to dogs and other animals.

    Transmission of Lyme Disease

    • In order for ticks to survive, they must find a host that will provide blood meals. The tick attaches itself by inserting its mouth parts into the skin of the host. A tick can stay embedded into the skin for up to a week or until it becomes totally swollen with blood. It is during this feeding process that the bacteria from Lyme disease can pass from an infected host to the tick. Once the tick has engorged itself with a meal, it falls off the host. If the tick has become infected, it can pass on the disease to the next host it feeds from.

    Symptoms

    • Once bitten by a tick, it is important to watch for signs of Lyme disease transmission. A rash resembling a bull's eye or solid patch, about 2 inches in diameter around or near the site of the bite is one of the first symptoms that may appear. Other early flu-like symptoms are chills and fever, headache, fatigue, stiff neck, muscle and/or joint pain and swollen glands. Untreated, the disease's worsening progression includes severe fatigue, a stiff aching neck and tingling or numbness in the arms and legs. Even facial paralysis can occur. The most severe symptoms of Lyme disease may not appear until weeks, months or years after the tick bite. These can include severe headaches, painful arthritis, swelling of the joints, and heart and central nervous system problems.

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