ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – As outdoor activities increase with the arrival of warmer weather, the Rockland County Department of Health is urging residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves from tick bites and the diseases they may carry, including Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis, and the rare but serious Powassan virus.

Lyme disease remains the most common tick-borne illness in New York State, and the Hudson Valley region, including Rockland County, continues to be a high-risk area due to the widespread presence of infected blacklegged ticks (deer ticks).

“Ticks, like many of us, become more active during warmer weather. Prevention is the best defense,” said Dr. Mary Leahy, Rockland County Commissioner of Health. “Simple steps like using tick repellent, wearing protective clothing, and performing regular tick checks after being outdoors can greatly reduce your risk of getting a tick-borne illness.”

Key Tick Prevention Tips

Avoid Tick Habitats: Stick to the center of clear, well-traveled trails. Avoid tall grasses, bushy areas, and stone walls.

Perform Frequent Tick Checks: Brush off ticks while outside, and do full-body tick checks when returning indoors—especially within two hours.

Proper Clothing: Wear light-colored long sleeves, pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes. Tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants for added protection.

Safe Tick Removal: Use fine-tipped tweezers to gently pull ticks straight out without twisting or squeezing. Prompt removal reduces the risk of infection.

Use Insect Repellent: Select repellents designed to deter ticks and always follow label instructions.

What to Do If You Find a Tick or Have Symptoms

If you discover a tick on yourself, a child, or a pet, remove it promptly and monitor for symptoms such as rash, fever, or flu-like illness. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms develop, as early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing serious complications.

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – On a recent diplomatic visit, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with a bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation led by U.S. Representative Mike Lawler of Rockland County, New York. The delegation also included Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), reflecting ongoing bipartisan support for U.S.-Israel relations.

The meeting underscored the importance of strategic cooperation between the United States and Israel, particularly in the areas of regional security, counterterrorism, and shared democratic values.
Strengthening U.S.-Israel Relations

The Congressional delegation’s visit aimed to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to Israel and to discuss pressing regional and global issues. Prime Minister Netanyahu welcomed the opportunity to engage with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle and praised their continued support.

The visit comes at a time of heightened regional tensions and amid discussions about peace, security, and technological cooperation in the Middle East.