The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has identified recent sustained increases in tick bite-related emergency department visits in nearly all regions of the state leading to a PA Health Alert Network (PAHAN) advisory. This trend is expected, as tick exposures in Pennsylvania generally increase during spring and summer months and serves as an important reminder that tickborne diseases occur annually in Pennsylvania. In addition, residents may be spending more time outdoors as indoor activities continue to be limited. Seeking medical care for tickborne illness should not be delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From April through September, healthcare providers should have a heightened clinical suspicion for tickborne diseases. Tickborne diseases, confirmed or suspected, should be reported to the PADOH web-based electronic disease surveillance system, PA-NEDSS.
