SUMMIT TWP — Autumn is on its way, which means hunters are gearing up.

To encourage hunting safety, Butler Health System on Wednesday sponsored an event called “Hunt For Your Health” at the Butler City Hunting and Fishing Club.

A large portion of the event discussed Lyme disease.

Mark Karas, a doctor with Butler Health System, said Lyme disease is the No. 1 tick transmitted disease in the northern hemisphere.

“It's growing,” Karas said.

There are three stages to Lyme disease: early localized infection, early disseminated infection and late disseminated infection.

In the first stage, a usually target-shaped rash develops and the person experiences flu-like symptoms. It usually takes one to two weeks until symptoms develop.

The second stage includes multiple rashes and cardiac symptoms, such as palpitations and heart blocks. It also includes neurological symptoms, such as facial palsy, meningitis and mental state changes.

The final stage mostly brings neurological symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, encephalopathy and fibromyalgia. Arthritis and skin disorders also occur.

“Even if you treat them adequately, they may have symptoms that last for a year or years,” Karas said.

Despite the severity of the symptoms, Karas said that the disease can be easily treated with oral or intravenous antibiotics.

He said Butler County is a low risk area, but there is a higher risk in northwest and north-central Pennsylvania. Areas around Philadelphia, New Jersey, southern New York and Connecticut are extremely high risk.

“It's just rampant there,” Karas said.

To help prevent the disease, he suggested wearing long sleeves and having pants tucked into boots when outdoors. Wearing insect repellent also helps.

If a hunter nabs a deer, he said they should wear latex gloves when handling it.

If someone is bitten by a tick, Karas said they should remove it with tweezers, but should be careful to avoid crushing the tick. If crushed, the risk of infection grows.

Dean Wolz, a cardiologist with Butler Health System, noted that hunting accidents have decreased over the years and there were no hunting firearm fatalities in the state last year.

Before going on a hunting trip, he said people should take stock of their health.

Wolz reminded hunters of the rule of threes, meaning three hours without shelter can lead to a person succumbing to exposure, and three days without water and three weeks without food can cause death.

He said knowing a little bit about first aid can help when out in the woods.

“You just never know,” Wolz said.

Rob McLafferty, Butler County 911 coordinator, advised outdoorsmen to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke.

He said hunters should try to be aware of their surroundings in case paramedics have to be called. He noted that most cell phones have emergency locating devices.

Additionally, he said if someone is experiencing neck or back pain after a fall, they should not be moved. If someone has an ankle or arm injury, a splint can be fashioned out of sticks.

If someone is bleeding heavily, a shirt or other article of clothing can be used to stop or slow bleeding.

“Use whatever you have at your fingertips to save this person's life,” McLafferty said.