Health Officials Warn of Growing Tick Threat
State and Suffolk health officials warn that ticks are spreading westward and can remain active even during winter, as Stony Brook expands efforts to diagnose, treat and prevent tick-borne illnesses.
New York’s top health official made an appearance on Eastern Long Island to urge residents to be extra vigilant against the growing threat of ticks and the diseases they carry.
“There are a lot more of them than us and the ticks are winning,” warned state Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “Be careful when you go outside. Don’t pick up any hitchhikers.”
McDonald visited Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s Regional Tick-Borne Disease Resource Center and Clinic, where doctors said tick-borne illnesses have become a significant public health concern, particularly on the East End. The Hampton Bays center combines treatment, education and outreach for adults and children.
Dr. Sandeep Gandhi said the program began in 2014 as a virtual center with a help line and educational outreach before opening its own clinic in August 2023. Over the past 12 years, the center has conducted more than 280 public educational events across Suffolk County and 30 symposiums for medical professionals, according to Gandhi’s remarks.
Since the clinic opened, Gandhi said he and Dr. Anna-Marie Wellins have cared for more than 800 adult patients. The center also treats children and has seen patients from across New York, the tri-state area and as far away as Texas, Florida, Alaska and Argentina.
The illnesses doctors encounter extend well beyond Lyme disease. Gandhi said the center has diagnosed and treated babesiosis, ehrlichiosis and tularemia, while officials are also seeing growing cases of alpha-gal syndrome, a potentially serious meat allergy associated with bites from the lone star tick.
Dr. William Wertheim, executive vice president of Stony Brook Medicine, called tick-borne disease a “significant and growing public health concern” and said Stony Brook is looking at bringing its multidisciplinary clinical and research approach to other parts of Suffolk County.
“The tick population is moving westward with the deer population,” said Dr. Scott Campbell of the Suffolk County Health Department, noting ticks can remain active during winter whenever temperatures climb above 40 degrees.
“Don’t be afraid of the outdoors,” Dr. Campbell concluded. “Just be prepared.” The officials urged the use of products containing Deet and other repellents.
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