CONCORD, NH – On May 1st, Governor Kelly Ayotte declared the month of May as Lyme Disease Awareness Month in New Hampshire, urging all Granite Staters to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families from tick-borne illnesses as the weather warms up.

"As the temperature rises and we spend more time outdoors, we must be vigilant about ticks and the diseases they can carry. Lyme disease is a serious health concern, but there are simple steps we can take to prevent tick bites and reduce the risk of illness," said Governor Ayotte. "I encourage everyone to stay informed, take precautions, and help spread awareness during Lyme Disease Awareness Month."

Tick season typically begins in the spring and runs through the fall, with the highest risk period occurring from May to July when deer tick nymphs are most active. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) reminds residents that while ticks are active year-round, they become particularly prevalent as the snow melts and vegetation grows.

Recent data from the CDC's Tick Bite Tracker suggests that tick bites are increasing across the Northeast but have not yet reached the peak levels observed in previous years.

"The risk of tick bites begins to increase as soon as the snow melts," said Frank Grossman, Founder, tickFree NH. "It is important that people take steps now to prevent tick bites and tick-transmitted diseases by using an effective tick-repellant, wearing long sleeves and pants when outside, and checking their bodies and their pets for ticks every time they are outdoors, especially if going into the woods or areas where there is long grass and brush."

The Department of Health and Human Services advises the following steps be taken to mitigate risk from tick bites:

- Check for ticks after being outside, particularly under the arms, behind the knees, in the hair, and around the groin. Don't forget to check pets, too.

- Wear insect repellents and treat clothing with permethrin, a chemical that repels ticks.

- Shower as soon as possible after spending time outdoors to wash off any ticks that may be clinging to your skin.

- Wear protective clothing, including long pants, long-sleeved shirts, socks, and tuck pants into socks when walking through grassy or wooded areas.

- Use light-colored clothing to make it easier to spot ticks.

- Wash and dry clothes immediately after being outdoors. Running clothes through a hot dryer for 10 minutes is an effective way to kill any ticks that may be present.

Governor Ayotte also reminds New Hampshire residents to monitor their health after a tick bite. Early detection and removal of ticks can reduce the risk of illness, but anyone who develops symptoms of Lyme disease should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Common symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and the "bull's-eye" rash.

Granite Staters are encouraged to learn more about tick bites, symptoms of tick-borne illness, and effective prevention strategies through the NH DHHS Tickborne Disease Resources.