Fordham Tick Index

The Weekend Deer Tick Index

May 31 to June 2, 2024

5 out of 10

The Fordham Tick Index is an estimate of the risk of being bitten by a nymphal or adult deer tick. Both of these stages are active at this time of year, although the smaller nymph is responsible for many more cases of Lyme disease. This index measures risk relative to other times of year. For more information about preventing tick bites, controlling ticks, Lyme disease and other illnesses ticks carry, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Fordham Tick Index is provided as a weekly public service by Fordham University and is based on both current and historical data from one site in Westchester County, N.Y. It is an estimate only. Actual risk may vary geographically. Therefore, always take precautions to prevent tick bites when outdoors.

Tick Fact of the Week

The lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum, is becoming more abundant in the region. It also now rivals the blacklegged tick as a vector of multiple pathogens including Heartland and Bourbon viruses, three different spotted fever rickettsiae, and the agent of tularemia. Last but not least, alpha-gal syndrome, known as the red meat allergy, can result from lone star tick bites.

Welcome back to the Tick Index. We will be updating the index weekly on Fridays through the fall.

For further information, contact Thomas Daniels.