Pitt study finds gap between tick awareness and Lyme disease concern

A new study from Pitt researchers found that many Southwestern Pennsylvania residents are aware of ticks in their yards, but far fewer are concerned about actually contracting tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease.

Researchers at Pitt’s School of Public Health surveyed homeowners across Allegheny, Washington and Westmoreland counties in early 2025 to better understand how residents perceive the risks of tick exposure and tick-borne illnesses. The study, published in the journal “One Health,” reveals a striking perception gap. While locals recognize that tick populations are booming, a majority view the actual health risk as only a minor concern.

Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States, affecting an estimated 476,000 people each year. The illness is transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks, which are widespread throughout Pennsylvania and much of the eastern U.S. 

Early symptoms of Lyme disease can include fever, fatigue, headaches and muscle aches and, in most cases, a characteristic bullseye-shaped rash. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, leading to more serious complications in one’s joints, heart and nervous system.

Pennsylvania has consistently ranked among the top three states in the country for reported Lyme disease cases. This occurs as a result of the state’s densely wooded and brushy environment that allows the insects to thrive, as well as Pennsylvania’s high population of host species which include deer and white-footed mice. 

Danielle Tufts, a disease ecologist and assistant professor of infectious diseases and microbiology, said prior experience with Lyme disease may shape how people perceive the risk.

“It could be that some of the people who participated in our study have experienced it, or know people who have, and were able to get treated quickly and effectively,” Tufts said. “That may influence how serious they believe the disease is.”

According to Tufts, the researchers aimed to determine if attitudes toward the disease dictated how residents protect themselves from ticks. The study found that while most participants reported taking some form of precaution, homeowners overwhelmingly favored personal protective behaviors over chemical yard treatments and other environmental interventions. 

Emily Bache, a second-year doctoral student in Pitt’s Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology and the study’s lead author, said one of the most effective prevention methods is one of the simplest.

“The number one method people reported using were tick checks,” Bache said. “Tick checks are really effective. If you remove a tick within about 18 to 20 hours of it attaching, your likelihood of contracting Lyme disease is significantly reduced.”

Other strategies recommended by the CDC include using insect repellent containing DEET, wearing long sleeves and pants to limit skin exposure and showering soon after spending time outdoors.

However, for many college students living in urban or semi-urban environments, the threat may feel like a distant problem. On Pitt’s campus, students frequently lounge on grassy lawns or frequent nearby Schenley Park.

Camila Marques, a sophomore biology major, said she takes precautions after intensive outdoor activities but rarely considers the risk in routine settings.

“I was actually thinking about that today [as I was sitting under a tree],” Marques said. “I think [ticks are] more common in the woods, where there’s a higher concentration of trees and nature. Out here on campus, I feel like it’s a little more spread out, so I don’t check.”

Katie Kuselias, a junior health services major from New Hampshire, said she is aware of the severe long-term consequences of the disease and knows people who have been infected but does not view it as a daily threat in Pittsburgh.

“I guess it just never really crosses my mind [at Pitt] because I don’t feel like people really talk about it enough to warn us,” Kuselias said. “It’s probably [not] one of my number one concerns, even when I do go in the woods.”

Health experts emphasize that early action is key. If a tick is found attached, experts recommend using tweezers to pull from the mouthparts with steady pressure to ensure the entire tick is removed. Individuals should then monitor for symptoms and consult a healthcare provider if concerns arise.

Tufts also recommends that students and residents utilize resources like the Pennsylvania Tick Lab, which offers free testing of ticks for disease-carrying pathogens for state residents. While a positive result from a tick doesn’t guarantee a human infection, it provides critical information for a physician to determine a treatment schedule.

“I think the best takeaway is just to be aware,” Bache said. “Don’t let it ruin your time outdoors, but make sure you’re checking yourself and taking steps to prevent infection.”