LONGMEADOW – Once snow has melted and the weather turns warm, instead of frostbite concerns, citizens are warned about tick bites.  According to the Center for Disease Control, Massachusetts was in the top five out of 50 states for reported cases of Lyme disease in 2015, with each of the five states in the northeast.

Longmeadow Health Director Beverly Hirschhorn cautions Longmeadow residents to watch for indicators that are linked to Lyme disease.  Aside from the characteristic bulls-eye rash, symptoms of headache, fever, chills, swollen glands, arthritis, and even cardiac issues are important to watch out for.

“The problem is these are not specific symptoms, which is why it’s important to be tested.  Any symptoms that are new and persist, people should get checked out,” she said.

The town’s 2016 Annual Report suggests that figures are unreliable.  If someone has Lyme disease but doesn’t take a blood test, their information isn’t reported or included in reports.

“Our figures are up, down, and all over the place.  We really don’t have a clear case of numbers because when people don’t recognize the symptoms they don’t get tested.  Some people only have minor symptoms.  It’s something we don’t have a handle on, unless people get a lab test,” Hirschhorn said.

Lyme disease isn’t the only tick-borne disease.  There are 14 additional diseases carried by ticks, and some have more severe indicators.

“There are new organisms carried by ticks, and the symptoms are more severe than regular Lyme; some are neurological,” Hirschhorn added, “There haven’t been any cases in Longmeadow yet.”

Frequently people hear of cases of mosquito-borne illnesses on the news, causing great concern in the area.  Hirschhorn believes this has caused Western Massachusetts citizens to worry less about tick bites, and more of mosquitoes.

 “Our figures of cases of Lyme in Longmeadow each year have varied over time from the teens to the twenties.  Lyme is more important than mosquito-born illnesses in this area.  Zika is more so in the South, there are a lot more cases down there.  We had one case of West Nile last year; it’s not really a problem here.  I think it’s been hyped up in the press, but the actual number of cases in this area is lower than ticks.  People hear the hype and get nervous.”

According to information supplied by Hirschhorn, though there is no tick-prevention strategy that is fully effective, there are various measures outdoor-enthusiasts can take to protect their property and themselves.  Simple tasks such as removing leaf litter, mowing the lawn frequently, and keeping playground equipment or outdoor patios away from yard edges and trees can help lower the risk of ticks around the home.  It’s also important to remember to wear protective clothing and apply repellent before engaging in outdoor activities, especially in wooded areas or gardens.  Following the activity’s completion, a tick check should be performed on clothing and all skin areas.