Diseases spread by ticks and mosquitoes

Arthropods are a type of animal that includes bugs like mosquitoes and ticks.  Some types of arthropods can spread illnesses when they bite people or other animals. Examples of diseases spread by ticks and mosquitoes include: 

  • Lyme disease
  • Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
  • Powassan 
  • West Nile Virus 
  • Zika Virus 
  • Babesiosis 
  • Anaplasmosis

At Schuyler County Public Health, we complete an investigation when a community member tests positive for many types of arthropod-borne infections. During the investigation, we discuss the individual's symptoms, try to determine when and where they contracted the illness, and help to ensure the individual receives appropriate treatment. For Lyme disease cases, the investigation is completed by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). 

Our program also provides education to the community and health care providers on arthropod-borne illnesses and their prevention and treatment. We also provide tick removal kits to community members. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all ticks and mosquitoes carry diseases?

Not all ticks or mosquitoes may be carrying disease, but it is best to always take precautions in case you encounter one that does. 

When are ticks and mosquitoes most active?

Ticks and mosquitoes are most active during the warmer months, but bites can happen other times of year as well. 

What steps can I take to protect myself from diseases carried by ticks?

Spending time outdoors can be great for your health, but it is important to take steps to protect yourself from tick bites. Making sure to take proper precautions and checking for ticks after being outside is important for preventing tick-borne diseases like Lyme. To protect yourself against tick-borne diseases, consider the following: 

  • Apply bug repellent with 30% DEET before going outside. 
  • Avoid heavily wooded or brushy areas. 
  • Wear protective clothing and footwear. Light colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks. Permethrin can also be applied directly to clothes for added protection. It cannot be applied to skin and is toxic to cats. 
  • After being outdoors, check yourself for any ticks. Remember to check children and pets for ticks as well. Be sure to check: 
    • In and around your hair and ears 
    • Under your arms 
    • Inside your belly button 
    • Around your waist and between your legs 
    • The backs of your knees 
  • If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible.  

What steps should I take to safely remove a tick?

Follow these steps to remove a tick: 

  1. Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible. 
  2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don't twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the mouth-parts with tweezers. If you cannot remove the mouth easily with tweezers, leave it alone and let the skin heal. 
  3. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. 
  4. Never crush a tick with your fingers. Dispose of a live tick by putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag/container, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet. 
  5. If the tick seems like it was attached for more than a day, you may want to reach out to your health care provider. Some people who have had a tick attached to them for more than a day may benefit from taking a single dose of an antibiotic to help lower your chances of getting Lyme disease.  
  6. Monitor the site of the bite for the next 30 days for the appearance of a rash. 
  7. If you develop a rash or flu-like symptoms, contact your health care provider.

What steps can I take to protect myself from diseases carried by mosquitoes? 

The best way to protect against diseases carried by mosquitoes is to take steps to prevent mosquito bites:

Reducing the number of mosquitoes around your home and property can also help.  

  • Make sure your home has screens on your windows and doors and that they do not have holes, rips, or tears. 
  • Standing water around your home – like birdbaths, wading pools, small containers, used tires, and clogged roof gutters – are perfect places for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Take steps to eliminate standing water to help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home.

What should I do if I think I have an illness cause by a tick or mosquito bite? 

Contact your health care provider. Many diagnoses require clinical symptoms and tests confirmed by laboratories. 

Where can I get a tick removal kit?  

Tick removal kits can be found at various community locations, including many county, town, and village buildings. You can also call our office at 607-535-8140 for more information or to get a tick removal kit.

Looking for resources or to learn more about the program? 

Call our office at 607-535-8140. 

You can also check out the following resources: