KINGSTON – A new countywide plan to combat tick-borne diseases has been announced by County Executive Patrick Ryan. It is aimed to inform county residents of the proper precautions they can take when participating in outdoor activities.
A county resident died recently from the Powassan virus, spread by an infected tick. Ryan directed the county health commissioner and county departments to participate in a countywide plan to provide residents with the tools to prevent the spread of tick-borne illnesses.
The countywide action will include:
- Production of new tick-related materials for distribution from the Ulster County Department of Health;
- Brochure distribution on Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) buses;
- Prevention materials included as a part of the Ulster County Department of the Environment’s Bring Your Own Bag Act promotion;
- Sign postings displaying tick-borne disease prevention tips on newly developed trail networks across the county;
- Distribution of signs and materials to retailers and businesses related to outdoor activities;
- An expansive multimedia public service awareness campaign including on-air promotions on radio stations throughout the county and on Ulster County Government social media channels.
