Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine Tuesday reminded Pennsylvanians to protect themselves against tick bites and recognize the symptoms of Lyme disease can be similar to those of COVID-19. 

Ticks can carry Lyme disease, in addition to other dangerous diseases, that can be severe if not treated properly. 

Dr. Levine says there has been a rise in emergency room visits related to tick bites over the last few months. Levine says several symptoms of Lyme disease, such as fever, chills and headache, are similar to symptoms of COVID-19. 

Over 8,500 cases of Lyme disease were reported in Pennsylvania in 2019. If Lyme disease goes untreated, it can lead to severe symptoms that affect the heart, nervous system and joints. 

Ticks can be found in wooded and bushy areas, areas with high grass and leaf litter, and even in your own yard. To reduce your chances of a tick bite: 

  • Walk in the center of trails and avoid areas with high grass and leaf litter
  • Use a repellent that contains at least 20% DEET
  • Wear light-colored clothing
  • Conduct full-body tick checks on yourself and on your pets after spending time outdoors
  • Take a bath or shower within 2 hours after coming indoors

If you have been bitten by a tick, make sure to monitor the area for any kinds of symptoms and contact your health care provider immediately. Symptoms of Lyme disease can include:

  • A red, swollen bulls-eye shape rash
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle and joint aches
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Early stage symptoms of Lyme, like the ones mentioned above, may appear in as few as two days or as long as 30 days after exposure. Later stage symptoms like arthritis, heart and neurological issues may appear months later. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with few to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.

Some symptoms of Lyme disease are similar to COVID-19. Symptoms of COVID-19 can include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Diarrhea
  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell