Warren County offering tick education events

LAKE GEORGE, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Warren County Health Services will hold four tick education events to help residents understand the dangers and illnesses that result from tick bites. Tick removal kits, that can be used on humans and pets, will also be handed out.

Event dates:

• Thursday, May 23, at Hudson Pointe Nature Preserve trailhead in Queensbury from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Thursday, May 30, at Stony Creek Free Library in Stony Creek at 5 p.m.
• Thursday, May 30, at Prospect Mountain Day Use Area in Lake George from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Thursday, June 27, at Hague Town Park in Hauge from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Health officials are holding the events after receiving multiple reports of illness stemming from tick bites. Tick bites can cause life-threatening illnesses like Lyme Disease, anaplasmosis, Powassan virus, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis. More information about tick treatment can be found on the New York State website or by calling Warren County Health Services at (518) 761-6580.

New York State Department of Health data shows Warren County has a high per capita rate of Lyme Disease. From 2019 to 2021, over 151 cases per 100,000 residents were affected. The County typically sees 35 to 40 cases of anaplasmosis infections in a year, and eight cases were confirmed in 2024, according to medical providers in the county.

Warren County Health Services director Ginelle Jones said promptly removing a tick can diminish the chances of tick-spread illness; she strongly encourages anyone who has been bitten to contact a medical provider for possibly needed follow-up care. "Our Public Health educators will have free tick removal kits at our events and plenty of helpful information for residents to know how to prevent bites and what to do if you are bitten," she said.