ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – Health officials say tick-borne illnesses remain a problem in New York.

Dr. William Klepack is the Medical Director at Tompkins County Whole Health Department. He says a study of collected specimens done earlier this year shows the prevalence of anaplasmosis in ticks has risen to one out of every ten ticks, or 10%, greatly increasing the chance of infection. Dr. Klepack says you can become infected with anaplasmosis much faster than Lyme disease.

The same study found the presence of Lyme disease in half of the ticks that were collected. Dr. Klepack says increase in disease prevalence means you should get used to checking yourself more often.

Dr. Klepack cautions people to remain vigilant year-round, as the chances for infection also increase with mild winters.

Visit the Tompkins County Whole Health website for information on ticks, including how to properly remove them.