Tick Disease Rates Rising In Montgomery Co.: Latest Statistics

NORRISTOWN, PA — As the spring continues and tick season comes into full swing in Montgomery County, rates of infectious diseases continue to spike.

The Lyme disease incidence per 100,000 residents in Montgomery County currently sits at 19.56, a significant increase from the 12.17 mark in mid-April, according to the latest data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

That rate is dwarfed, however, by Chester County, which is at 46.37. Bucks County is at 26.30 and Delaware County is 15.56.

Here are Montgomery County's rates for other infectious diseases carried by ticks. Rates have remained unchanged since mid-April:

• Anaplasmosis: 1.39 (1.39 in mid-April)
• Babesiosis: 1.16 (1.16 in mid-April)
• Erlichiosis: no data

The Pennsylvania Tick Research lab has tested 4,748 Montgomery County ticks thus far, and found 739 infected with some kind of disease. A total of 133,832 ticks have been tested statewide, with 38,044 infected ticks discovered all told.

For related coverage on the tick diseases impacting Montgomery County, see here.

Ticks likely had an earlier start to the season this year due to random spurts of warm weather over the winter. That is one among several factors potentially contributing to their ongoing proliferation in the region.

To prevent tick bites, the CDC advises:

Know where ticks live. Ticks hang out in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas—and even your backyard.

Avoid high-risk areas. Skip tall grass, leaf litter, and dense brush when possible—and walk in the center of trails.

Use insect repellent. Apply EPA-registered repellents with ingredients like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

Treat your clothes and gear. Use products with 0.5 percent permethrin on clothing, boots, and camping gear — or buy pre-treated items.

Dress to protect. Wear long sleeves and pants when possible to reduce exposed skin.

Check your clothes after being outside. Ticks can hitch a ride indoors—remove them and tumble dry clothes on high heat to kill any hidden ones.