Black-legged ticks (ixodes scapularis), also known as deer ticks, are responsible for most of the tick borne illnesses on Long Island. They’re best known as the primary vector for Lyme disease but they also cause babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, bourbon virus disease, Powassan disease, borrelia diseases, and an emerging public health threat called anaplasmosis.
Anaplasmosis is a bacterial infection that attacks the white blood cells, causing flu-like symptoms that can escalate into severe health complications or result in death. Also referred to as human granulocytic anaplasmosis, the disease was first identified in 1994. The number of cases rises each year and New York State is second only to Minnesota in the number of reported anaplasmosis cases.
The disease is now second only to Lyme disease in the percentage of state-tracked tick-borne disease cases it represents.
When it comes to tick-borne threats, Lyme disease grabs most of the headlines. With up to 30,000 reported cases annually (and some high-profile sufferers), its symptoms and potential consequences are well known.
For Long Island residents, ticks are a part of life. Often found in wooded areas and tall grass, ticks present more than just a nuisance to you and your family, but potentially life-threatening illnesses. There are several tick-borne illnesses, the most common one being Lyme disease. 
The dangers of tick bites are well known to East End residents. If a tick bites you, you’re wise to be concerned about contracting a tick-borne illness. But does it matter what kind of tick has bitten you? A tick is a tick, and they’re all bad, right? Actually, no. While most ticks carry pathogens, different types of ticks cause various illnesses, and some are far more dangerous to humans than others. It’s important to know what kind of tick has bitten you so you can understand what health consequences you may experience and what symptoms to look for. 
First identified in rural Connecticut in 1975, Lyme disease has been the subject of conjecture and controversy for nearly half a century. Because many of its symptoms mimic other diseases, and research on its long-term effects is still ongoing, Lyme disease has many myths and misconceptions. 
Sometimes, we believe that just because we weren’t aware of something previously, it must be new. Many people feel that way about Lyme disease.
In 2021, the United States 
While you are taking steps to protect yourself, your family, and your pets from ticks, the 
While spring might not officially be here yet, it’s not too early to start checking for ticks. Conventional wisdom tells us that cold winter and lots of snow help kill off insects, including ticks. So it feels like we should be safe from the little critters as the snow melts and we start to see warmer temperatures, and sadly, that’s not necessarily the case.
Autumn and winter are times for fall festivals and other outdoor events. From skiing, ice fishing, and other winter sports, it is a time of many outdoor entertainment options. Along with spending time outdoors comes the risk of exposure to ticks. But how bad is that risk? 
