Fordham Tick Index

The Weekend Deer Tick Index

June 28-30, 2024

8 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

A new Rickettsia species, closely related to the one causing Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, has just been identified in California. It causes a more severe form of illness and retrospective analyses show that it’s been around since at least 2004. The tick vector is likely Dermacentor occidentalis but that’s not yet clear. The more we look, the more pathogens we find in ticks.   

For further information, contact Thomas Daniels.