"Although summer is officially over, ticks will still be active during the fall and unfortunately they can spread serious diseases such as Lyme disease if they attach to you," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "While enjoying the beauty of the outdoors this fall, remember to protect yourself and clothing throughout the day. Avoid tall grassy, brushy, and wooded areas, and use protective clothing and repellent to help keep you safe and healthy."

Tick bites can transmit diseases in addition to Lyme disease including anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and although rare, Powassan virus encephalitis. The blacklegged tick can carry pathogens that cause anaplasmosis and babesiosis, the second and third most common tick-borne diseases impacting nearly 2,000 New Yorkers annually combined. 

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