As summer approaches in St. Lawrence County Sen. Patty Ritchie (R-Heuvelton) is warning residents to be vigilant to stay protected from ticks and the diseases they carry, namely Lyme disease.

May is Lyme disease Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the disease. Ticks can carry Lyme disease and have been on the rise in St. Lawrence County in the past decade.

Ritchie represents the western half of St. Lawrence County including Ogdensburg, Canton and Gouverneur, plus parts of Jefferson and Oswego counties

A potentially debilitating and life-threatening illness, it’s estimated by the state Department of Health that more than 95,000 cases of Lyme have been confirmed in New York State since 1986.

While the disease has been reported in every region of the state, in the region I represent, cases of Lyme have jumped significantly in recent years, from eight in 1999, to 312 in 2013," she said.

St. Lawrence County confirmed its first case of Lyme disease in 2002 and the number of infections did not hit double digits until 2007 when 10 cases were confirmed. In 2008, infections rose to 25 and have not dropped below 30 since.

Typical symptoms of Lyme disease include headache, fatigue, fever and a red, circular rash. If left untreated, the infection has the potential to spread to the heart, nervous system and joints. However, most cases can be treated successfully through the use of antibiotics.

According to St. Lawrence County Public Health, the risk of exposure to ticks is greatest along trails in the woods and on the edges of properties with tall vegetation, but animals and pets into lawns and gardens may also carry ticks.

To protect yourself and loved ones from Lyme disease, Sen Ritchie offered the following tips:

Avoid places where tickets are prevalent: Steer clear of wooded areas with high grass and, if you’re in wooded areas try to walk in the center of trails.

Wear insect repellant and dress accordingly: If you’re planning on being outdoors, be sure to apply insect repellant and try to wear long sleeves and pants to protect yourself from ticks.

Check yourself, your children and pets for insects: When coming in from outside, be sure to bathe or shower as soon as possible—and don’t forget to check for ticks. Make sure to check your clothing and gear as well, and be sure to toss clothes in the dryer for an hour on high heat to kill any ticks you may have missed.

If you find a tick, remove it safely: Spot a tick? Some people believe gently grasping it using tweezers near its mouth or head is a good method, but some believe using a tool to get under its head is better. Pull it away from your body steadily, without squeezing or crushing it and dispose of the insect. Be sure to thoroughly clean the bite area, as well as your hands and then apply antiseptic to the area where you were bitten.

Call your doctor: If you notice any signs of Lyme disease—including fatigue, headache, fever or a rash—call your doctor immediately.

"Earlier this year, I was pleased to be named to the Senate Task Force on Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases, a group that aims to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Lyme and other related illnesses. This year, the new State Budget included $600,000 to help implement recommendations made by the Task Force to help better protect the health of people in our local communities and across the state," Ritchie said.

"Whether you’re hitting hiking trails, playing outside with the kids, camping or working out in the garden, I hope you’ll take the time to protect yourself and your loved ones from Lyme diseas," Richie said.

For more information and prevention tips, visit www.ritchie.nysenate.gov.