Fordham Tick Index

The Weekend Deer Tick Index

October 25 to 27, 2024

5 out of 10

The Fordham Tick Index is an estimate of the risk of being bitten by a nymphal or adult deer tick. Both of these stages are active at this time of year, although the smaller nymph is responsible for many more cases of Lyme disease. This index measures risk relative to other times of year. For more information about preventing tick bites, controlling ticks, Lyme disease and other illnesses ticks carry, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Fordham Tick Index is provided as a weekly public service by Fordham University and is based on both current and historical data from one site in Westchester County, N.Y. It is an estimate only. Actual risk may vary geographically. Therefore, always take precautions to prevent tick bites when outdoors.

Tick Fact of the Week

The only Lyme disease vaccine ever approved by the FDA, Lymerix,  was available for just a few years (1998-2002) before being taken off the market due to consumer apprehension that was not based on science. The vaccine proved to be safe and 75% effective in reducing risk. Two decades later, the best we can do to avoid the disease is to avoid being bitten by ticks, an approach that generally doesn’t work very well.

For further information, contact Thomas Daniels.