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Cases of Lyme disease on Staten Island have increased over the past year. (File photo)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Instances of Lyme disease surged 62 percent on Staten Island last year, to a total of 89 confirmed cases, according to the city Health Department.

Last year, 24 of those 89 residents reported no travel outside of New York City in the 30 days before exhibiting signs of the illness, suggesting that they were bitten by local ticks.

In 2014, when there were 55 confirmed cases, only 11 Staten Islanders contracted the disease from local ticks, after having no travel.

Borough President James Oddo and the Health Department announced a new public awareness campaign in June, and Monday reminded people to take precautions when in areas with tall grass, where deer ticks congregate.

"These data confirm what we have suspected for some time -- that due to the increase in white-tailed deer on Staten Island, the incidence rate of Lyme disease -- carried by black-legged ticks -- is also rising," Oddo said. "Over half of Staten Island patients with early Lyme disease interviewed in 2015 reported no travel outside of New York City -- the most compelling evidence yet that Lyme disease-spreading ticks are in our local area."

Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, "We want Staten Islanders to take advantage of their beautiful parks and wooded areas, but we remind them and all New Yorkers to check for ticks and take other simple steps to protect yourself from Lyme disease and other tickborne diseases."

Oddo and the Health Department will co-sponsor a free Lyme disease awareness forum on Monday, Aug. 15, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Bernikow JCC, 1466 Manor Road.

Topics will include facts about Lyme disease, symptoms and health impacts, public safety tips, precautions when exploring natural areas and how to safely remove ticks.

To RSVP for the public forum, call Renee Sarno at (718) 816-2133 or email RSarno@statenislandusa.com.