August 22, 2024 - Harrisburg, PA
Representatives from the Shapiro Administration's Departments of Health (DOH), Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and Environmental Protection (DEP) visited Memorial Lake State Park in Dauphin County this afternoon to highlight the importance of residents taking precautions to prevent Lyme disease and tick bites."Spending time outdoors is an important way to support health and wellness, but we want to encourage Pennsylvanians to do so as safely as possible," said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. "It only takes a couple of minutes to reduce your risk of tick bites before you head outdoors and to check for ticks after coming back inside. A few simple steps can make a world of difference in protecting you from Lyme disease." Pennsylvania typically ranks in the top 10 in the country for Lyme disease cases per 100,000 residents. Thus far, in 2024, the DOH has recorded 11,263 lab-confirmed cases of Lyme disease. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a short course of antibiotics. However, if the infection is left untreated, it can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. List of Speakers:Leah Lind - Lyme and tickborne disease epidemiologist,Dr. Debra Bogen - Secretary of PA Dept. of HealthCindy Adams Dunn - Secretary of Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)John Ryder - Deputy Secretary for Field Operations, PA Dept. of Environmental Protection
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