Lyme disease (Lyme borreliosis) is a serious bacterial infection transmitted through the bites of infected ticks, affecting thousands of New York City residents annually. In 2024, NYC reported approximately 2,832 Lyme disease cases, making it the most common tick-borne illness in the city. While disease-carrying ticks are less established in NYC compared to New York State, the risk is rapidly growing, especially in Staten Island and Bronx parks, where blacklegged deer ticks have established populations.
This guide provides NYC-specific statistics on Lyme disease, prevention strategies, symptom recognition, and treatment options. You’ll learn how to protect yourself and your family from tick bites while enjoying the city’s parks and outdoor spaces, understand which NYC areas pose the highest risk, and know when to seek medical care.
You will also learn that Lyme disease is not always properly diagnosed by physicians, which could lead to potential complications, and there is recourse in the event of a medical malpractice case.
Understanding Lyme Disease in New York City: Key Facts and Local Context.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis), also known as deer ticks. While in NYC’s unique urban environment, tick populations are lower than in Long Island or upstate areas, local transmission is increasing as environmental changes extend tick seasons and expand their geographic range into city parks.
The infection requires at least 36 hours of tick attachment to spread from an infected tick to humans. This transmission window provides opportunities for prevention through daily tick checks and proper removal techniques. Related tick-borne diseases include babesiosis and anaplasmosis, which can cause co-infections that complicate diagnosis and treatment.
Key terminology includes erythema migrans (the expanding rash that appears in 70%-80% of cases), deer ticks, and engorged deer ticks (ticks that have been feeding and appear swollen). Understanding these terms helps NYC residents communicate effectively with healthcare providers about potential exposures.
NYC Borough Risk Assessment
Staten Island represents the highest risk area in NYC, with established populations of blacklegged ticks throughout the Staten Island Greenbelt and other wooded areas. Surveillance data confirm that local transmission occurs regularly in these locations, making Staten Island residents particularly vulnerable to tick-borne illnesses, including Lyme disease.
Bronx parks are showing an increasing presence of ticks, especially in wooded areas such as Pelham Bay Park and Hunter Island. Recent studies indicate that tick populations are expanding northward as environmental conditions become more favorable for their survival and reproduction.
Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens maintain lower but growing risk levels in parks and green spaces. While most Lyme disease cases in these boroughs result from travel to endemic areas, such as Long Island, Westchester County, and upstate New York, local tick populations are also establishing themselves in city parks. Brooklyn and Queens parks now report 80% tick presence, up from 40% just three years ago.
Why Lyme Disease is a Growing Concern in New York City
The 2024 statistics reveal the scope of tick-borne diseases in NYC: 2,832 Lyme disease cases, 78 babesiosis cases, and 65 anaplasmosis cases reported to the health department. These numbers represent a significant increase from previous years, driven by multiple converging factors.
Climate change is extending tick seasons and expanding their geographic range into previously unsuitable urban areas. Warmer temperatures and longer springs create optimal conditions for tick survival and reproduction. In 2025, NYC temperatures reached the 70s by early May, several weeks ahead of historic norms, sustaining tick activity for extended periods.
Increased outdoor activities in NYC parks during and after the COVID-19 pandemic exposed more residents to tick habitats. As New Yorkers sought recreation in local green spaces, encounters with disease-carrying ticks became more frequent, particularly among families with children and pet owners.
Research from Columbia University shows that 70% of NYC parks now harbor disease-carrying ticks, representing a dramatic increase from 40% three years prior. This expansion means that previously low-risk areas are becoming potential exposure sites for tick-borne infections.
The economic impact extends beyond healthcare costs to include lost productivity from untreated cases that develop into chronic symptoms. Early treatment prevents most complications, but a delayed diagnosis can lead to persistent symptoms that affect work and quality of life.
Lyme Disease Statistics and Risk Comparison Table
| Borough | 2024 Cases | Risk Level | Peak Months | Primary Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staten Island | 847 | High | May-August | Local parks/woods |
| Bronx | 692 | Moderate-High | May-September | Parks, travel |
| Manhattan | 456 | Low-Moderate | June-August | Mostly travel |
| Brooklyn | 534 | Low-Moderate | May-August | Parks, travel |
| Queens | 303 | Low | June-July | Mostly travel |
Seasonal Distribution: Nymph ticks (called nymphs) are most active May through August, while adult ticks remain active March through November in favorable weather.
Age Groups: Children aged 5-14 and adults over 50 show the highest case rates, likely due to increased outdoor activities, exposed skin, and decreased awareness of tick bite prevention.
Co-infection Rates: Approximately 11% of NYC cases involve babesiosis co-infection, while 18% include anaplasmosis, complicating treatment protocols.
Pregnant women are also at greater risk of tick-borne diseases.
5. Step-by-Step Prevention Guide for NYC Residents
Identify High-Risk Areas and Activities
Begin by understanding which NYC locations pose the most significant risk for tick encounters. Central Park’s wooded areas, Prospect Park’s natural zones, Staten Island Greenbelt, and Bronx parks like Pelham Bay Park all harbor established tick populations. Create a mental map of these areas before outdoor activities.
Assess seasonal risk patterns, recognizing that tick activity peaks during warmer months. Nymph ticks are most active from May through August and are particularly dangerous because of their small size (approximately poppy seed-sized), which makes them challenging to detect. Adult ticks remain active from March through November when temperatures exceed freezing.
High-risk activities include hiking off marked trails, gardening in wooded areas, participating in outdoor sports in tall grass, and walking dogs through brush. Even routine activities like picnicking near wooded edges can result in tick exposure if proper precautions aren’t taken.
Pre-Activity Checklist:
- Check NYC Health Department tick activity reports
- Plan clothing and repellent strategy
- Identify the nearest healthcare facilities
- Prepare tick removal kit (fine-tipped tweezers, antiseptic)
Implement Protection Strategies
Wear light-colored clothing to make ticks more visible during outdoor activities. Long sleeves and long pants tucked into socks create physical barriers that prevent ticks from reaching exposed skin. Light colored clothing also helps with early detection during tick checks.
Apply repellents containing 20%-30% DEET to exposed skin, following manufacturer instructions. Picaridin-based repellents offer effective alternatives for those who prefer non-DEET options. Treat clothing with permethrin or purchase pre-treated garments for extended protection lasting through multiple washes.
Practice trail safety by staying on marked paths and avoiding areas with tall grass and brush, where ticks often wait for hosts. When hiking or walking in wooded areas, maintain a safe distance from vegetation that could brush against your clothing or skin.
Pet Protection: Use veterinarian-approved tick prevention products for dogs and cats. Check pets daily for ticks, especially around ears, neck, and between toes. Pets can bring ticks into homes, creating a risk of indoor exposure.
Post-Exposure Monitoring and Response
Perform thorough daily tick checks focusing on high-risk areas: scalp, behind ears, underarms, groin, behind knees, and between toes. Use mirrors or ask family members to check hard-to-see areas. Check children often, including their entire bodies.
Remove attached ticks immediately using fine-tipped tweezers, grasping close to the skin surface and pulling straight up with steady pressure. Clean the bite area with an antiseptic and save the tick in a sealed bag, including the date and location, for potential testing if symptoms develop. In some cases, blood tests could help determine the severity of any developing issues.
Monitor for symptoms for 30 days post-exposure, watching for expanding rash (erythema migrans), flu-like symptoms, joint pain, tick-borne infections, or severe headaches. Document the bite location with photos and note any changes in the area over time.
When to Seek Medical Care:
- Tick attached for 36+ hours
- Developing expanding rash
- Flu-like symptoms within 30 days
- Joint pain or nervous system symptoms
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing with Ticks in NYC
Mistake 1: Assuming NYC has no tick risk because it’s urban. Staten Island and Bronx parks have well-established tick populations, and disease-carrying ticks are expanding into previously safe areas. Even Central Park and Prospect Park now harbor infected ticks, requiring vigilance during outdoor activities.
Mistake 2: Using ineffective tick removal methods like nail polish, alcohol, or heat sources. These techniques can cause ticks to regurgitate bacteria into the bite wound, thereby increasing the risk of infection. Always use fine-tipped tweezers and pull straight up with steady pressure.
Mistake 3: Waiting for the characteristic bull’s eye rash before seeking treatment. The erythema migrans rash appears in only 60%-80% of cases, and early treatment is most effective, as it improves outcomes and prevents progression to chronic disease. Blood tests for Lyme disease may remain negative for weeks after infection, making clinical diagnosis based on symptoms and exposure history critical for timely treatment. Any expanding rash, facial paralysis, or flu-like symptoms that occur after tick exposure warrant a medical evaluation.
Mistake 4: Relying solely on repellents without protective clothing in high-risk areas. Effective prevention requires multiple strategies: appropriate clothing, repellents, environmental awareness, and post-exposure monitoring working together.
Pro Tip: Combine multiple prevention strategies and establish a relationship with a healthcare provider familiar with tick-borne diseases. Early intervention within 72 hours of high-risk exposure can include preventive antibiotic treatment (single dose doxycycline) that significantly reduces infection risk.
Real-Life NYC Case Study: Staten Island Family’s Experience
Case Study Introduction: The Rodriguez family of four from Staten Island regularly hiked in the Greenbelt Park during the summer of 2024. Parents Maria and Carlos, along with their children ages 8 and 12, enjoyed weekend nature walks but initially took minimal tick precautions.
Starting Situation: During a July hiking trip, the family wore shorts and t-shirts while exploring off-trail areas. They applied minimal repellent and performed no tick checks after their outdoor activities. Three days later, 8-year-old Sofia developed an expanding rash on her leg.
Steps Taken: Maria noticed the growing circular rash and immediately contacted their pediatrician. Fortunately, the doctor recognized the erythema migrans pattern (which is not often the case) and prescribed doxycycline treatment within 48 hours of symptom onset. The family also began implementing comprehensive tick prevention strategies.
Results: Sofia’s early treatment prevented Lyme disease progression, and the rash resolved completely within two weeks. No other family members developed symptoms, and their improved prevention practices eliminated future tick exposures during regular park visits.
Lessons Learned: The experience taught the family that even familiar local parks pose real tick risks. They now wear light-colored clothing, apply repellents properly, stay on marked trails, and perform daily tick checks after outdoor activities.
Before/After Comparison:
- Before: Casual clothing, no repellent, no tick checks
- After: Long pants, DEET repellent, daily tick checks, trail awareness
- Result: Safe outdoor recreation without tick-related health concerns
Obstacles to Proper Lyme Disease Diagnosis and Care
It’s essential to note that Lyme disease often presents with symptoms similar to those of other conditions, making its identification challenging. The process is further complicated by guidelines issued by a significant infectious disease association. These guidelines advise against treating patients unless there is a positive antibody test or the classic bull’s-eye rash at the bite site. As a result, many individuals with clear Lyme-related symptoms may be left untreated or experience delays in receiving care, giving the infection more time to spread through the body.
How Malpractice Attorneys Can Help Lyme Disease Victims
When medical providers fail to recognize the signs of Lyme disease or delay treatment, the consequences can be devastating. Misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis can allow the infection to progress unchecked, leading to long-term complications such as neurological disorders, joint damage, and, in some cases, wrongful death. These failures may form the basis of a medical malpractice claim, holding healthcare professionals accountable for negligence.
Contact Attorneys Ronemus & Vilensky
At Ronemus & Vilensky, our attorneys have decades of experience handling complex personal injury and medical malpractice cases, including those involving delayed or improper treatment. We understand the unique medical and legal issues Lyme disease victims face, and we know how to build strong cases that highlight both the medical errors and the resulting harm.
Our proven record of success—through jury verdicts, settlements, and appellate victories—has established us as trusted advocates for patients and their families. Whether in negotiations or in the courtroom, we are committed to pursuing justice, fair compensation, and accountability for those whose lives have been altered by preventable medical mistakes.
If you or a loved one has been infected by Lyme disease and has received life-changing injuries, the law firm of Ronemus & Vilensky can help. Please contact our law firm at (212) 779-7070 for a free consultation.
8. FAQs about Lyme Disease in NYC
Q: Are there really ticks in New York City?
A: Yes, blacklegged deer ticks are confirmed in Staten Island parks and expanding into Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens green spaces. While populations remain lower than upstate areas, local transmission occurs regularly, particularly in Staten Island’s wooded areas.
Q: When should I see a doctor after a tick bite in NYC?
A: Seek medical attention if a tick was attached for 36+ hours, if you develop an expanding rash, or if flu-like symptoms appear within 30 days of exposure. Healthcare providers may prescribe preventive antibiotics within 72 hours of high-risk exposures.
Q: Can I get Lyme disease in Central Park or Prospect Park?
A: While risk remains lower than Staten Island, both parks now harbor infected ticks. Most Manhattan and Brooklyn cases result from travel to endemic areas, but local transmission is possible in wooded sections of these parks.
Q: Is preventive antibiotic treatment available in NYC?
A: Yes, doctors may prescribe a single dose of doxycycline within 72 hours of tick bite if the tick was attached for 36+ hours and identified as a blacklegged deer tick from a high-risk area.
Q: How long does it take for symptoms to appear?
A: Early-stage symptoms typically develop 3-30 days after an infected tick bite. The expanding rash appears first, followed by flu-like symptoms, including fever, severe headaches, and joint pain if the initial infection progresses untreated.
Q: Can my dog get Lyme disease in NYC?
A: Yes, pets face similar risks to humans and can develop Lyme arthritis and other complications. Use veterinarian-approved tick prevention, check pets daily, and consult your vet about Lyme vaccination for dogs in high-risk areas.
Key Takeaways for NYC Lyme Disease Prevention
The five most important points for NYC residents include: understanding that tick risk is growing throughout the city with Staten Island as the primary hotspot, recognizing the 36-hour transmission window that provides opportunities for prevention, seeking early antibiotic treatment for maximum effectiveness, implementing multi-layered prevention approaches rather than relying on single strategies, and staying informed about local tick activity through NYC Health Department reports.
As climate change continues to expand tick populations into urban areas, New Yorkers must adopt more stringent outdoor recreation habits while maintaining access to the city’s valuable green spaces. Disease control requires individual vigilance combined with community awareness and proper treatment when exposures occur.
Develop a personal prevention plan before engaging in outdoor activities, including selecting appropriate clothing, applying repellent, and performing post-activity tick checks. Establish a relationship with healthcare providers familiar with tick-borne diseases and understand when to seek preventive treatment after potential exposures.
With proper precautions, New Yorkers can safely enjoy Central Park, Prospect Park, Staten Island’s nature areas, and other outdoor spaces throughout the city. The key is to remain vigilant, prepared, and informed about this growing public health concern, while not allowing fear to limit healthy outdoor recreation.
Remember that most cases respond excellently to early treatment, and severe complications are rare when proper treatment is provided promptly. Stay educated, stay protected, and continue enjoying New York City’s remarkable outdoor offerings.
