March 25 marks the start of Tick Bite Awareness Week across the U.S. Ticks are the leading cause of Lyme disease, which is transmitted through black-legged ticks to humans in the form of a bacterial infection. As the temperatures rise, the risk of tick bites becomes greater. According to Statista, July remains the peak month for infection, averaging more than 87,000 cases.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that there could be as many as 476,000 cases of Lyme Disease in the U.S. each year. 

According to the Global Lyme Alliance (GLA), children are the most susceptible to picking up ticks as they tend to spend more time outdoors. Adults, however, can also be at risk, particularly those who take part in outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing or gardening. Those who work outdoors can also be at risk of exposure to infected ticks. Pets should be checked before coming into the house, as infected ticks can be transferred from pet to human. 

Over the past 40 years, there has been an increase in the number of annual reported cases of Lyme disease by approximately 25 times. Additionally, all tick-borne diseases have seen cases double in the past 13 years.

According to the GLA, the number of Lyme disease cases is now 618 percent higher than Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and West Nile Virus combined. Tick-borne disease has also increased among dogs, by 112 percent over the past five years.  

Climate change is believed to be one of the major influences on the rise in cases, creating longer tick seasons and more opportunities to be outside. The GLA offers several tips to reduce the risk of contracting Lyme disease. 

● Avoid tick-infested areas such as wooded areas, tall grass and stone walls. 

● Wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks more easily.

● Apply Environmental Protection Agency-approved tick repellent such as DEET, picaridin or other insect repellents.

● Remove clothing upon entering the home and toss it into the dryer at a high temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to kill live deer ticks. 

● Examine yourself and your pets for ticks. Check for bumps in areas such as the knees, groin and armpits. A tell-tale bullseye is one of the most obvious ways to pinpoint a tick bite.

If you discover a tick, remove it immediately with tweezers and send it to be tested. If you notice flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes and joint pain, see your doctor immediately.