Uptick in tick bites reported in Central Pennsylvania emergency rooms

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — With summer temperatures reaching Central Pennsylvania, emergency rooms are noticing an uptick in ticks.

"The seasons are now changing and so we're doing a lot more outdoor stuff," said Nsikak Daniel, M.D., an emergency room physician at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown. "Ticks are just one of those things you kind of get when you go out into the woods."

While children and older adults may have the most adverse reactions to tick bites, everyone should take precautions.

"Wear clothing that covers you up, you know, socks and stuff like that with your shoes. Insect repellents sometimes can help," Daniels said.

Lyme Disease is a common illness carried by ticks, often characterized by a bullseye–shaped rash around a bite. While it's become more prevalen