New Dangerous Tick Found In New York State

If you love being outdoors during the summertime, be careful a new type of tick has been found in New York.

The New York State Health Department announced that the Haemaphysalis longicornis tick, aka the “longhorned tick,” was recently discovered in multiple locations in Westchester County.

According to WGRZ, the health department issued a warning about the tick

"While the longhorned tick has transmitted disease to humans in other parts of the world, more research is needed to determine whether this can happen in the United States," the health department said.

"Regardless, New Yorkers should continue to take steps to protect themselves, their children and their pets against ticks and tickborne diseases that are present in New York state."

The State Health Department offered some tick safety tips:

• Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts to protect against ticks other biting insects.

• Check for ticks often while outdoors and brush off any ticks before they attach.

• Perform a full body check multiple times during the day.

• Consider use of repellents containing DEET, picaridin or IR3535, following label instructions.

• If you have been bitten by a tick of any kind, contact your health care provider immediately if you develop a rash or flu-like symptoms.

While the tick has not been found in Western New York yet, the health department is encouring everyone who is outdoors to be alert.