DUTCHESS COUNTY TICK TASK FORCE HOSTED THEIR ANNUAL TICK EDUCATIONAL EVENT – TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2022

DUTCHESS COUNTY TICK TASK FORCE HOSTED THEIR ANNUAL TICK EDUCATIONAL EVENT – TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2022

The Dutchess County Tick Task Force held its annual Tick Educational Event on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, from 6-8 pm utilizing the Zoom platform. The event educated residents from the Hudson Valley and allowed them to develop a broader understanding of all aspects of tick-borne diseases, including environmental factors that reduce the spread of tick-borne disease and ongoing research relating to tick-borne disease. 

Chairperson for the Dutchess County Tick Task Force, County Legislator Donna Bolner, commented, "I was so happy to see many new faces during our educational event this year. Our residents demonstrated their interest in learning more on how to protect themselves and their families against tick-borne disease.  Archiving the presentations allow residents unable to attend, due to commitments, to view what was discussed at the event.  I hope to see even more residents at next year’s forum.” 

When spending time outdoors, it is highly encouraged to adopt the following habits:

• Wear light-colored long pants and long-sleeved shirts,
• Tuck your pant legs into your boots and consider using a repellent for ticks on your clothing and boots,
• Soon after returning indoors, remember to check for ticks, and
• You also may want to throw your clothes in the dryer for 30 minutes on high heat to kill any ticks that came indoors on your clothing.  

Michael Polasek, County Legislator representing the town of LaGrange, said, "Ticks, while small in size, can cause huge medical problems. We all must remain vigilant to protect ourselves while in nature, whether it be our backyards or at our local parks. Research and education is key to preventing tick borne illnesses. I would like to thank all of the presenters of the Tick Task Force Educational event for helping make our communities a safer place to be."

If you were unable to attend the panel, please view the presentations here.