Sen. Richard Blumenthal says Lyme disease will pose "a record threat" to Connecticut residents this summer.

He says he's pushing for a surge in federal funding "to match the anticipated surge in tick-borne illnesses" across the region, according to the latest data from state and federal tracking sources.

He says the funding would bolster efforts by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent and address tickborne illnesses such as Lyme disease.

Blumenthal suggests people going into the woods should use insect repellant and wear sleeves and pants.