ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — State health officials say ticks are on the rise as summer progresses.

Tick season in Georgia typically runs from mid-April through mid-July. With the recent drought, there were fewer reported tick sightings. But with increased rainfall and higher humidity, conditions are improving for ticks to rebound.

Rosmarie Kelly with the Georgia Department of Public Health said it’s important to prioritize bug repellent during this time and avoid tall grass to reduce risk. If you do see a tick, don’t panic.

“The quicker they can remove that tick...the less risk there is for transmission of any vector-borne disease that the tick may have,” Kelly said.

Ticks can spread illnesses, including Lyme disease. They can also cause alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy linked to bites from the lone star tick that can trigger reactions to red meat and some dairy products. Kelly said officials are closely monitoring for signs of this allergic reaction.

“It is serious. There just recently has been a test to test for it. States are beginning to make it reportable. It is not reportable in Georgia as of yet, but the state epidemiologists are working on getting it reportable. They’re doing the training for physicians. They’re doing the paperwork that’s necessarily to get it listed on the state as reportable diseases, even though it’s not a disease; it’s an allergic reaction,” Kelly said.

Kelly said anyone who spends time outside can get ticks. She recommends using insect repellent and checking yourself and your pets for ticks after being outdoors. If you get bitten, watch for fever, chills, or a rash and get to the doctor if you have these symptoms.

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