State officials are renewing their warnings about ticks and the potential dangers they carry as the summer season picks up.

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station says it has received a 76 percent increase in ticks brought in for testing this year compared to the average between 2012 and 2016.

Of those, about 45 percent tested positive for Lyme disease. That's a notable increase from the 33 percent in 2017.

Experts say anyone who goes outside should check for ticks often and thoroughly.

Places ticks may be found include the scalp, underarms, the groin and behind the knees.

Catching symptoms of Lyme disease is also important. They include fever, fatigue and muscle pain. Anyone who experiences those symptoms after finding a tick bite should contact a doctor right away, experts say.