Departments

Health and Human Services

Bucks County Health Department

-- Main --Bureau of Personal Health and Public Health Preparedness -- Bureau of Environmental Health --

Lyme Disease and West Nile Virus

Don't get bit by a BUG this summer! Protect yourself from disease!

Lyme disease and West Nile Virus are two diseases that may be a threat to your health this summer. It is very important that the people of Bucks County know the dangers and warning signs of these potentially harmful diseases.

Lyme disease is also a serious disease caused by the bite of deer ticks. Approximately 20% of all deer ticks carry the bacteria which causes Lyme Disease. If bit by a tick prompt removal of the tick will significantly reduce your chance of getting the disease. Another tick-borne disease is also on the rise, Ehrlichiosis (Human Granuloctic Ehrlichiosis, HGE). HGE has also been linked to the deer tick and has been found along the East Coast and in the midwest. Symptoms of Lyme Disease and Ehrlichiosis are high fever, headaches, and vomiting. If symptoms prolong over several days, consult your physician.

For more information on Lyme Disease, go to the CDC's information page.

We are in the peak mosquito-breeding season and mosquitoes are the agent for infecting humans with the West Nile Virus .

The Health Department advises the public to take sensible precautions while outdoors to guard against mosquito bites and potential infection by West Nile Virus .

Two recommendations are:

1. Use insect repellent.
2. Avoid exposure to mosquitoes.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends repellents that contain DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. The Bucks County Department of Health advises to read and follow label directions carefully no matter which repellent is selected.

Mosquitoes tend to breed best in shaded areas of still water and stay near where they breed. Therefore eliminating breeding areas such as old containers, tires, cleaning clogged rain gutters, draining pool covers, and any other objects that hold water is very important. To avoid mosquitoes, remember that they are most active between dusk and dawn, and favor wooded areas and tall grass where there is shade. Mosquitoes are also attracted to dark clothing, so wearing lighter colors is helpful. Mosquitoes are also attracted to the light and odors from a house so keep window and door screens in good repair to prevent their entrance.

For more information about West Nile Virus, please call the Bucks County Department of Health at 215-345-3318 or toll free at 1-877-477-4492.

West Nile Information