Health Concerns in the NY/NJ Area

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Aside from the normal dangers of hiking anywhere, e.g. blisters on the feet, poison ivy, etc., the New York-New Jersey area has one major problem, Lyme Disease and/or Ehrichiosis, and several minor problems, rabies endemic to raccoons, West Nile Virus, and poisonous snakes.

Lyme

• 8/21/2006 LIAI scientists identify immune system trigger for fighting Lyme disease
• As of February 25, 2002 the manufacturer announced that the LYMErix™ Lyme disease vaccine will no longer be commercially available. The existing recommendations apply to any vaccine currently in use.
• NY Times article of 6/12/2001 Lyme Disease Is Hard to Catch and Easy to Halt, Study Finds
• Prophylaxis with Single-Dose Doxycycline for the Prevention of Lyme Disease after an Ixodes scapularis Tick Bite - The New England Journal of Medicine, July 12, 2001
• Two Controlled Trials of Antibiotic Treatment in Patients with Persistent Symptoms and a History of Lyme Disease - The New England Journal of Medicine, July 12, 2001
• Lyme Disease - The New England Journal of Medicine, July 12, 2001
• Doxycycline for Tick Bites — Not for Everyone - The New England Journal of Medicine, July 12, 2001

The tick population (both deer and dog) seems to be well above normal this year(2000). Although both will unpleasantly burrow into your skin and may carry diseases, only the deer tick carries Lyme disease. Last year was a record year for Lyme disease in Dutchess County and in 1998 it was highest for the whole country. It is expected to be worse this year. (AP 5/30/2000). 

Learn to tell the difference between the two ticks  and for the deer tick its various stages (dog tick much larger). For images see:

• Iowa State University Entomology Image Gallery (select ticks)

Lyme Disease is a major problem - do not treat it lightly. Prompt treatment seems to be very effective with no lasting side effects. Non-treatment can have very long term major side effects, primarily arthritis, but also other problems including death in extreme cases. Treating the disease in its later stages is very hard and may leave lasting side effects. The primary defense is avoidance of tick bites. Ticks do not bite like mosquitoes or the other flying insects, i.e. an immediate bite. The ticks crawl around on your skin for a while, perhaps hours, before settling down for a meal by imbedding their head in your skin. There is some evidence that suggest that early removal of even an infected tick that has imbedded itself, lessens the likelihood of contracting Lyme Disease. Avoid high grasses and areas where mice hang out. The defenses are to use insect repellents (DEET on yourself, Permethrin on your clothes), tuck pants into socks, wear light colored pants so that ticks are visible and brush them off occasionally. Also be sure to take a shower and examine yourself thoroughly when you get home. 

For much more information consult:

• Lyme Disease Information Resource
• National Center for Infectious Diseases (Lyme Disease Page)
• Rec.backcounty post on Lyme Disease and Forest Ecology
• Dirty Secrets of Bloodthirsty Ticks
• Concerns Grow Over Reactions to Lyme Shots 11/21/2000
• MEDLINEplus Lyme Disease

Rabies

Since 1990 rabies has been endemic to raccoons in the area. To a lesser extent, bats, skunks and some other small mammals may be infected. Do not attempt to feed wild animals or even touch dead bodies. Normally they will not chase and attack you, but attacks have been reported. Get prompt medical attention since the treatment is very effective and the consequences of non-treatment is almost certain death.

West Nile

In the late fall of 1999, mosquito born, West Nile Virus became a problem in urban areas of NYC and lower Westchester County. There were no reported problems in more traditional hiking areas. It is too early to tell how the 2000 season will develop. For more information look at:

• Cornell Environmental Risk Analysis Program

Poisonous Snakes

There are two poisonous snakes that are occasionally seen in the area, Eastern Timber Rattlesnake and Copperhead. The rattler is a locally endangered species so encountering one is quite rare. Given a chance both snakes will move out of your way. Be careful about stepping or reaching where you cannot see, particularly in rocky areas or over fallen logs. Neither bite is life threatening except possibly to very small children, but get very prompt medical attention. Here are some pictures and more information about snakes.

• Herp Pictures
• Timber Rattlesnake Homepage
• Florida Venomous Snakes