Anna-Marie Wellins, a doctor of nursing practice, emphasizes the importance of education and prevention in combating ticks. She works at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital's Regional Tick-Borne Disease Resource Center and stresses the need to outsmart ticks through proactive measures.
“Ticks are very adaptive arthropods,” said Wellins, "but we can outsmart them through education and prevention.”
Long Island summers are synonymous with sun, surf, and sand, but they also bring a surge in tick activity due to warmer winters. These tiny pests, capable of carrying various diseases, are a year-round concern, especially during the warmer months. Experts advise caution, particularly for those visiting parks and beaches. Clinicians stress symptom-based treatment for tick-borne illnesses, with new Lyme disease surveillance criteria enhancing accuracy. Notably, Black individuals may face delayed Lyme disease diagnosis due to symptom recognition challenges.
Preventive measures include regular tick checks, wearing protective clothing, using repellents, prompt showering after outdoor activities, and protecting pets. If bitten, proper tick removal and monitoring for symptoms are crucial, with medical attention warranted for any signs of illness.
