Lyme Disease in Pittsburgh? (Philadelphia, Washington: apartment, renting, live)

[Ellabella2]

Hello,

I'm considering a move to Pittsburgh. One question I have is about Lyme Disease. I've read online that the number of cases of Lyme has grown significantly in Allegheny County in the past few years, but I can't seem to find stats about Pittsburgh and its suburbs specifically. Is Lyme a growing problem in your area? Do you know anyone who's had it? Do you find ticks more often nowadays?

I would be renting an apartment, unsure where. I don't plan to hike deep in the woods or do any gardening, but I would be walking my dog in the area parks. Is this a concern?

Thanks everyone!

[speagles84]

Originally Posted by Ellabella2

Hello,

I'm considering a move to Pittsburgh. One question I have is about Lyme Disease. I've read online that the number of cases of Lyme has grown significantly in Allegheny County in the past few years, but I can't seem to find stats about Pittsburgh and its suburbs specifically. Is Lyme a growing problem in your area? Do you know anyone who's had it? Do you find ticks more often nowadays?

I would be renting an apartment, unsure where. I don't plan to hike deep in the woods or do any gardening, but I would be walking my dog in the area parks. Is this a concern?

Thanks everyone!

It's a HUGE problem. Most have little knowledge about lyme but it's a serious problem. My roomate contracted it and we live right next to Downtown Pittsburgh.

However, checking for ticks when you've been outside in city Parks or the surrounding woods will help prevent it. Know the signs (bullseye rash, random vomiting, weight loss) and see a doctor if you have any of these symptoms and ask for a blood test.

FWIW, you actually have a higher chance of getting lyme in the coastal northeastern cities due to the climate there (warmer and more thaws in the winter). Philadelphia and Washington are the two worst major cities for lyme.

[bradjl2009]

I did find this map from the CDC about prevalence by year. The disease is much more common here than 10 years ago.

https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/stats/

[trackstar13]

Ticks and Lyme Disease are becoming more common across the U.S. and they seem to be spreading at a rapid pace as the climate changes. It seems that the only places that are relatively immune for now are deserts or mountains.

Lyme disease

[gg]

Originally Posted by speagles84

It's a HUGE problem. Most have little knowledge about lyme but it's a serious problem. My roomate contracted it and we live right next to Downtown Pittsburgh.

However, checking for ticks when you've been outside in city Parks or the surrounding woods will help prevent it. Know the signs (bullseye rash, random vomiting, weight loss) and see a doctor if you have any of these symptoms and ask for a blood test.

FWIW, you actually have a higher chance of getting lyme in the coastal northeastern cities due to the climate there (warmer and more thaws in the winter). Philadelphia and Washington are the two worst major cities for lyme.

This.

[Ellabella2]

Thank you everyone for your feedback!

[svband76]

No epidemic of anything in Pittsburgh. Lyme or otherwise. You're good to go!

And I'm outside running over 2 hours a day on trails, by the rivers, etc. Really it's no problem at all..

[tyovan4]

^ Bad advice. It is certainly something to be cognizant of.

Allegheny County Health Department - Timely Topic

[Johnny C]

I use 100% Deet as a cologne. The ladies really seem to like it in Pittsburgh...