They're *** growing threat. Tick-borne illnesses are on the rise in the US, and ticks are out now through early fall. It does seem like it'll be sort of *** hot year for ticks. Experts believe the increase in tick-borne diseases is due to several factors, including climate change. The rising heat and humidity helps ticks thrive, growing tick populations, and improved disease tracking. While there are several illnesses that ticks can cause. Lyme disease is by far the most common. More than 89,000 cases of Lyme disease were reported to the CDC by state health departments, and the District of Columbia in 2023, but the agency says many more aren't reported. If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause serious health problems. Early symptoms of Lyme disease, unfortunately going to look *** lot like the flu, uh, so there'll be things like fever, fatigue, headaches, and muscle aches. There may also be *** rash that looks like *** bull's eye. Experts say to protect against ticks by minimizing any exposed skin where they can bite in areas where they're common, wear long sleeves and long pants with the pants tucked into your socks and wear *** hat. Also thoroughly check yourself and your family after spending time in high risk areas like woods or tall grass. For Health Minute, I'm Mandy Gaither.
Tick-borne illnesses are on the rise in the U.S., with experts pointing to climate change, growing tick populations, and improved disease tracking as contributing factors. Thomas Hart from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health said, "It does seem like it'll be sort of a hot year for ticks."While ticks can cause several illnesses, Lyme disease is by far the most common. More than 89,000 cases of Lyme disease were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by state health departments and the District of Columbia in 2023, but the agency says many more cases aren't reported. If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause serious health problems. Hart explained, "Early symptoms of Lyme disease, unfortunately, are going to look a lot like the flu, so there'll be things like fever, fatigue, headaches, and muscle aches." There may also be a rash that looks like a bullseye.Experts recommend protecting against ticks by minimizing exposed skin where they can bite. In areas where ticks are common, wearing long sleeves and long pants with the pant legs tucked into socks, along with a hat, can help. It is also advised to thoroughly check yourself and your family after spending time in high-risk areas like woods or tall grass.Currently, there are no vaccines for any of the diseases carried by ticks, but experts say several vaccines are in clinical trials.Video below: Tickborne disease becoming more prevalent in Maryland
Tick-borne illnesses are on the rise in the U.S., with experts pointing to climate change, growing tick populations, and improved disease tracking as contributing factors. Thomas Hart from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health said, "It does seem like it'll be sort of a hot year for ticks."
While ticks can cause several illnesses, Lyme disease is by far the most common. More than 89,000 cases of Lyme disease were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by state health departments and the District of Columbia in 2023, but the agency says many more cases aren't reported.
If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause serious health problems. Hart explained, "Early symptoms of Lyme disease, unfortunately, are going to look a lot like the flu, so there'll be things like fever, fatigue, headaches, and muscle aches." There may also be a rash that looks like a bullseye.
Experts recommend protecting against ticks by minimizing exposed skin where they can bite. In areas where ticks are common, wearing long sleeves and long pants with the pant legs tucked into socks, along with a hat, can help. It is also advised to thoroughly check yourself and your family after spending time in high-risk areas like woods or tall grass.
Currently, there are no vaccines for any of the diseases carried by ticks, but experts say several vaccines are in clinical trials.
Video below: Tickborne disease becoming more prevalent in Maryland
