Summer ticks pose an especially high threat

Between a mild winter and plenty of new hikers on the trails, this summer ticks pose an especially high threat. The director of the Lyme Disease Research Group is calling it "the perfect storm."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports around 30,000 cases of Lyme disease each year but says the true number may be about ten times more than that.

Doctors say if you're hitting the trails be sure to use bug spray that's at least 30-percent DEET. Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot and cover as much skin as possible.

They also say to do a body check for ticks as soon as you're off the trail.

Doctors say symptoms for Lyme disease are very similar to coronavirus.