Yes, you can catch Lyme disease in California – especially in Santa Cruz County

As the number of diagnoses of Lyme year after year the diagnoses climbs, it also expands its geographical footprint.

Although generally considered limited to the Eastern United States, the disease has been reported in all states except Hawaii – and in the Western states, it is most common in CaliforniaSays the Centers for Disease Control.

Yet California is good for just a small fraction of American things. In 2023 there were more than 89,000 Lyme cases. New York had 22,000, Pennsylvania 16,000 and California only 109. And it was thought that about 30% had been contracted outside of California, says the Ministry of Health.

This is what about Lyme and how it spreads.

What is Lyme disease?

It is a bacterial disease that is in the first stages as flu -like symptoms and a result. Untreated it can develop into a debilitating complex of symptoms, including severe pain, fatigue and brain fog.

It is spread by the bite of a tick – specifically the Blackleged tap or the western black -tuged tap.

What does the tap look like?

It is a brown or red -brown bug, with his body about the size and shape of a sesame seeds; It has eight legs and prominent mouth parts. When it is viewed with blood, it is many times the original size and it can look like a small bean.

When and where am I most likely to take a tick?

In California, the highest risk of late autumn until early summer is in northern coastal areas or on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, the State Ministry of Health said.

In 2023, the last year for which data is available, the California County In most cases, Santa Cruz wasWith 11, the department said.

Is there a drawing resistant?

It is recommended that everyone who goes outside in grassland or forest areas uses an insect repellent with at least 20% deet. Clothing and equipment can be treated with a permethrinspray of 0.5%, sold under names such as Sawyer, Insect Shield and Ranger Ready.

Further advice: Wear long pants, shirts with long sleeves and high socks. If your outerwear is light -colored, it is easier to see ticks and brush them off before they confirm.

What is the exercise once I get in?

Tumble your clothes in a hot dryer for 10 minutes to shake taps that might crawl on it. Check yourself thoroughly – a shower is a good way to wash loose ticks.

What if someone is attached to me?