Cadwell:  "The ticks are back"

POUGHKEEPSIE – Lyme Disease is still very much a threat.  That’s the bad news. 

The good news, according to Dutchess County Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Caldwell, is the threat, for some reason, seems to have diminished, somewhat.

“This past year of 2007, we had the lowest number of cases of documented Lyme Disease since I became commissioner of health 14 years ago.”

In an update to county legislators, Caldwell said this may be only a temporary respite.

“The ticks are back, more than we saw last year, so we certainly are expecting more cases of Lyme Disease this year.”

While not all ticks have Lyme, or other diseases, any tick bite should be taken seriously. 

The usual precautions apply – avoid grassy areas when possible, but if you are in high risk areas, use repellant and wear long pants, tucked into your socks, and long-sleeve shirts.  Light colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks.  Check for ticks on your body every day.