Some predict this could be a banner year for ticks and the diseases they carry, but state health officials say it’s too early to panic.
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease. The Centers for Disease Control estimates the number of Lyme Disease cases doubled between 2001-2015.
But Division of Health Epidemiologist Paula Eggers said the increase could be attributed to better detection and reporting, not an increase in cases.
She said it's difficult to predict the spread of Lyme disease year-to-year.
"But certainly if climate change is going to continue to warm up the planet, and we have longer tick and mosquito seasons, it stands to reason that this could be problematic," Eggers said.
She recommends a standard defense against ticks: wear insect repellent, pants, shoes and long sleeves when outside. And be sure to check yourself and your pets when you come inside.
Early 2016 data indicates there were 506 cases of Lyme disease statewide. Eggers said that's about average.
Another tick-borne pathogen making headlines this spring is the Pawassan Virus, which has symptoms similar to West Nile.
It is extremely rare, with under 80 cases confirmed nationwide in the last decade. None in Delaware.
Last summer, former Gov. Jack Markell (D) signed two bills aimed at battling tick-borne diseases. One allows state environmental officials to kill ticks and another requires state health professionals to learn more about Lyme disease as part of continuing education.
