Lyme disease continues to rise in our region. According to the Pennsylvania State Department of Health, more than 9,000 cases have been confirmed between 2000 and last year.
According to TickCheck.com, Jefferson County had 1,275 cases of Lyme disease reported from 2000 to 2016; whereas, Clearfield County had reported the highest in our area with 2,454. In other counties: Indiana had 1,041 and Clarion was among the lowest with 664 case of Lyme disease.
The CDC says the numbers could be higher as there are many cases not reported. The symptoms include: Fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, joint pain and skin rash that looks like a bull’s eye.
A tick can be removed by pulling up using tweezers and cleaned with soap and water. Typically a tick has to be attached between 24 and 48 hours before there is a chance of getting Lyme disease.
