Warm weather is favorable to most of us in WNY as our Winter months are not the most desirable ... however the warm weather may produce some hazards we're completely unaware of...namely, the increased risk of animals with ticks and rabies.

Lyme disease is one of those warmer weather associated ailments which is caused by ticks. There's also another virus associated with ticks called Powossan virus.

Regarding Lyme Disease, Erie County Health Commissioner, Dr. Gale Burstein had this to say:

“We’re anticipating the population that can transmit these viruses that are born from insects or ticks from say wild animals by rabies by raccoons will be more prevalent, because we will have more wildlife because they’ve had more time to start reproducing.”

...and this

“Immunizations are really the bread and butter of public health and prevention.”

Dr. Burstein also offered this advice regarding ever having a tick on your skin. if you have a tick on your skin:

"Should you discover a tick on your skin, carefully remove the entire tick and observe for signs and symptoms of disease.  The sooner the tick is removed, the less likely that an infectious disease is transmitted. Transfer of an infectious agent depends on the tick’s feeding interval or period of attachment and whether the tick was removed properly. Generally, the tick must be attached to an individual for 36 to 48 hours or more before it can spread bacteria. Ultimately, a person with known (or suspected) history of tick bite needs to consult with a healthcare provider for assessment of symptoms, which may or may not lead to a diagnosis of a tick-borne disease. Not all ticks bites lead to Lyme disease or Powassan virus.”

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