Art competition aims to raise awareness about ticks, Lyme disease in Pa.

Pennsylvania residents were afflicted with about 10,000 cases of Lyme disease in 2018, according to the state health department, and if a child’s drawing is enough to prevent even one, it’s worth the effort.

“Ticks that cause Lyme disease are everywhere, which is why it is so important to know the proper steps to take to avoid getting a tick bite,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said in announcing a student art competition to raise awareness about ticks and Lyme.

To help increase education surrounding ticks and Lyme disease, the Department of Health partnered with the Department of Education to educate children and their peers about where ticks are found and how to prevent encountering ticks.

“Being outdoors with friends and family and enjoying nature is part of so many people’s lives, and as they enjoy outdoor activities, we want them to be informed and take precautions to stay healthy,” said Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera. “The art competition is a fun and informative way for students to learn about Lyme disease and the steps they can take to protect themselves from ticks.”

Using the campaign’s theme of “Don’t Let a Tick Make You Sick,” students in grades 1 to 6 will be eligible to submit an entry by March 6, illustrating where ticks are found and how to prevent encountering one.

Finalists will be notified by April 24, and the top two finalists in each grade level will be invited to a May announcement of the first-place winners.

“Through this art competition, we will be able to educate students and their parents on where ticks live and how to prevent getting a tick bite, furthering our commitment to promoting healthy behaviors and preventing diseases,” Dr. Levine said. “We hope that this initiative serves as a reminder to check yourself, your pets and your families for ticks after spending any amount of time outdoors.”

Entries (one per child) can be submitted digitally at ra-dhlymecontest@pa.gov, or by mailing them to Department of Health, Bureau of Epidemiology c/o Lyme Poster Contest, 625 Forster St., 9th floor, Harrisburg, PA 17120-0701. Click here for a full list of contest rules.

Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics. However, if the infection is left untreated, it can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system.

Chronic symptoms from Lyme disease can be debilitating, and state officials have urged residents to make sure and check their clothing and person for ticks after spending time outdoors.

State officials recommend using an insect repellent containing at least 20% or more DEET to deter ticks.