Tick Bites Sicken More Than 2K In NJ This Year: What To Know

NEW JERSEY - The summer also means prime tick time around the Garden State. The Centers for Disease Control reports the number of tickborne illnesses have quadrupled over the last two decades, with New Jersey towards the top of the list over the last two years.

Data from the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) shows that between 2022 and 2024, the state ranks in the top 20 percent of the nation for tickborne disease cases reported with 21,284. The period with the highest risk for being bitten comes between the early spring and late fall months.

The most recent tally available from the NJDOH, released last week, there have been 2,080 tickborne disease cases reported among humans in New Jersey already.

The state says the two species that are of greatest importance for public health tracking are the blacklegged/deer tick, and the lone star tick. Cases of tickborne diseases reported in just the last two years include anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Borrelia miyamotoi, ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, spotted fever group rickettsiosis, Powassan virus, tularemia and Alpha-Gal Syndrome.

(Photo Credit: NJDOH/Monmouth Co.)

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Steps to Avoid Tick Bites (CDC)

• "Know where to expect ticks. Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, or even on animals. Spending time outside walking your dog, camping, gardening, or hunting could bring you in close contact with ticks. Many people get ticks in their own yard or neighborhood.
• Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and remain protective through several washings. Alternatively, you can buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
• Avoid contact with ticks. Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. Walk in the center of trails.
• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. EPA's helpful search tool can help you find the product that best suits your needs. Always follow product instructions. Do not use products containing OLE or PMD on children under 3 years old. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• If you are using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second."

What to Do After a Tick Bite (CDC)

• "If you find a tick attached to your skin, simply remove the tick as soon as possible.
• There are several tick removal devices on the market, but a plain set of tweezers works very well.
• If you develop a rash or fever within several days to weeks after removing a tick, see your doctor."

The NJDOH is reminding residents of it's "Tick Bite Bot" and other resources available on the heels of May's Tickborne Disease Awareness Month's public outreach efforts.