Pennsylvania officials were at Little Buffalo State Park, Perry County, to provide tips on preventing Lyme Disease and tick bites on July 2.

The Commonwealth typically ranks in the top 10 states in the country for Lyme disease. Most cases can be treated successfully with short-term antibiotics, but if left untreated, Lyme disease can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system.

“Spending time outdoors supports physical and mental well-being. When outdoors, I encourage Pennsylvanians to take some simple steps to protect their health," said Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen. “Take a few extra minutes before heading out the door to apply and carry sunscreen to prevent sunburns, bring water to prevent dehydration, and apply or carry an EPA-approved bug spray to prevent tick bites."

To help residents plan outdoor activities safely, DOH launched an online dashboard that shows where ticks are prevalent so people can take appropriate precautions.

Ticks can be found in both urban and rural settings — typically in shrubs, weeds, leaf litter, and tall grasses — but they can be present anywhere there is foliage. Taking proper steps to reduce the chances of being bitten is key.

Tips for tick bite prevention:

For more information on Lyme disease, visit DOH’s Tickborne Diseases.