Experts warn against hiking in parts of U.S. due to hidden danger
Pleasure Beach in Connecticut will remain closed for the 2025 summer season following the discovery of multiple tick species, including the invasive Asian longhorned tick.
The City of Bridgeport plans extensive treatment and containment efforts throughout the area with the goal of reopening the beach next year.
The Northeast, encompassing New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, is currently at a high risk for disease-carrying ticks, with Fordham University’s Tick Index showing a nine out of ten.
Nymphal blacklegged ticks are a particular concern as they can transmit up to four different disease agents, including Lyme disease, which saw over 89,000 reported cases in 2023, mostly in the northeastern states.
Experts advise limiting outdoor activities, such as hiking, wearing protective clothing, and using permethrin repellent to avoid tick bites, as ticks are highly persistent.