As New Yorkers prepare for the upcoming holiday weekend, Governor Kathy Hochul has advised residents and visitors to take steps to protect themselves from tick- and mosquito-borne illnesses while spending time outdoors. The warning comes as warmer temperatures and shifting climate patterns have led to a steady increase in tick populations across the state, raising the risk of bites even in areas previously considered low-risk.
“New York’s parks, mountains, lakes and beaches are the perfect places to spend the holiday weekend, so make the most of your time outdoors by protecting yourself from ticks and mosquitoes and the diseases they can carry,” Governor Hochul said. “Remember to use protective clothing and repellent to help keep you, your family and pets safe and healthy.”
Tick activity is at its peak during spring, summer, and fall. Lyme disease remains the most frequently reported tick-borne illness in New York State. Over the past three years, there has been an average of more than 17,500 new cases annually; in 2023 alone, over 19,000 cases were reported—the highest on record.
Lyme disease is transmitted by blacklegged (deer) ticks when an infected tick remains attached for at least 36 hours. Nymphal ticks—currently active statewide—are especially problematic because their small size makes them hard to detect within that critical window. Symptoms include an expanding rash resembling a bull’s eye or solid patch near the bite site, along with flu-like symptoms such as fever or chills, muscle aches, headache or fatigue. Prompt medical attention is recommended if these symptoms develop.
Other diseases spread by ticks include babesiosis (about 600 infections per year since 2015), anaplasmosis (about 1,300 infections annually), as well as rarer conditions like ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Powassan virus disease. Some of these illnesses can cause severe health problems or be fatal if not treated quickly; for example, Powassan virus can be transmitted within just 15 minutes of a tick bite.
Mosquitoes also pose risks each year. Between 2020-2023 there was an average of 55 West Nile virus cases annually in New York State. In addition, two human cases of Eastern equine encephalitis were recorded last year—the first since 2015 in New York.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said: “When spending time outside, it’s important to take precautions to protect against diseases that can be transmitted by ticks or mosquitoes. New Yorkers should remember that it only takes one bite from a tick or a mosquito to potentially cause illness. Stay healthy and keep pests away this fourth of July weekend by following simple methods to avoid being bitten.”
Officials recommend several measures while outdoors: wearing light-colored long pants and sleeves; tying back long hair; checking often for ticks; showering after outdoor activities; using EPA-registered repellents containing DEET (40 percent), picaridin (20 percent) or IR3535; considering permethrin-treated clothing; promptly removing any attached ticks with fine-tipped tweezers; covering skin during peak mosquito hours; using netting on strollers; and reducing standing water around homes where mosquitoes breed.
The Department of Health works with partners statewide collecting tens of thousands of ticks every year for analysis on population trends and regional disease risks [Health Data NY](https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/lyme/). Residents can access current data about local risk levels online.
For additional resources on Lyme disease prevention visit https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/lyme/. For tips on reducing mosquito habitats see https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/mosquitoes/.
