Tag

Tick Borne Illnesses

All articles tagged with #tick borne illnesses

Hiking in Tick Country: The US Parks Battling Lyme Disease
health25 days ago

Hiking in Tick Country: The US Parks Battling Lyme Disease

A health-focused ranking of U.S. state parks by tick-borne illness risk, highlighting Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper Midwest sites where deer, mice, and infected ticks overlap. Parks named include Pine Grove Furnace (PA), Green Lakes and Harriman (NY), Round Valley (NJ), Devil's Lake (WI), Jay Cooke and Itasca (MN), Starved Rock and Mississippi Palisades (IL), and Ridley Creek (PA). The piece also shares research findings and patient anecdotes, and concludes with practical prevention tips (DEET, protective clothing, staying on trails, thorough body checks, and heat-treating clothing) to reduce tick exposure without avoiding outdoor recreation.

UNH to map tick habitats with $8M NSF grant
science1 month ago

UNH to map tick habitats with $8M NSF grant

The University of New Hampshire has secured an $8 million National Science Foundation grant to study ticks, the diseases they spread, and the environments they thrive in, focusing on blacklegged deer ticks, American dog ticks, and winter ticks. Researchers will deploy 22 stations across New Hampshire to monitor ticks year-round and assess how factors like snow cover affect survival and transmission, with the work spanning four years and involving undergraduate students. The effort addresses rising tick activity and high Lyme disease rates in the region.

Tick bites spike nationwide, experts say pets are usually the gateway
health2 months ago

Tick bites spike nationwide, experts say pets are usually the gateway

Tick bites are rising across the U.S., with veterinarians noting that most cases begin with pets that pick up ticks outdoors and bring them indoors. Warmer, more humid conditions are boosting tick activity, highlighting the need for pet preventive care, regular tick checks, and prompt treatment for tick-related illnesses in both people and animals, including in areas like Asheville and western North Carolina.

Rising Tick Threats and Lyme Disease Risks Amid Endemic Levels
health11 months ago

Rising Tick Threats and Lyme Disease Risks Amid Endemic Levels

Health officials in Ohio County, West Virginia, warn of endemic levels of Lyme disease, driven by rising global temperatures that expand tick habitats and prolong their activity, increasing human infection risk. The surge highlights how climate change is reshaping disease patterns, emphasizing the importance of early detection, prevention measures, and ongoing research for vaccines and diagnostics.

Health Officials Warn of Rising Tick-Borne Disease Threats in the US
health11 months ago

Health Officials Warn of Rising Tick-Borne Disease Threats in the US

Ontario County in the US faces a public health emergency due to a rapid increase in tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease, with 296 cases reported in 2025, driven by warmer weather and increased deer populations. Local officials are implementing awareness campaigns and deer management plans to combat the spread and protect vulnerable populations, especially children and the elderly.

Rising Tick Encounters and the Growing Need for Prevention
health1 year ago

Rising Tick Encounters and the Growing Need for Prevention

The article discusses the risks associated with ticks, especially Lyme disease, emphasizing that while tick populations are increasing and they can carry serious illnesses, the actual risk varies by location and proper precautions can significantly reduce the danger. It highlights the importance of identifying ticks, understanding their behavior, and taking preventive measures based on regional risk levels.

Vermont Faces Rising Tick Populations, Health Officials Warn
health1 year ago

Vermont Faces Rising Tick Populations, Health Officials Warn

Rising tick populations in Vermont, driven by invasive plants, development, and climate change, have increased the risk of tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease, prompting health officials to recommend precautions such as protective clothing and prompt tick removal. The blacklegged tick is most common and carries Lyme disease in over half of analyzed ticks, with other illnesses also present. Vermont's surveillance programs are crucial for monitoring these risks, though funding issues have temporarily paused some efforts.

Top States for Tick-Borne Illnesses Revealed
health2 years ago

Top States for Tick-Borne Illnesses Revealed

New research reveals New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas as the worst states for tick-borne illnesses, with New York reporting nearly 16,800 Lyme disease cases in 2022. Experts emphasize the importance of tick prevention and immediate removal if bitten, as ticks can transmit multiple diseases, including Lyme disease and the Powassan virus. Regular checks, especially in areas like the backyard, and preventive measures for pets are recommended to reduce the risk of tick bites.

"Breakthrough: New Vaccines Offer Hope for Ending Lyme Disease"
health2 years ago

"Breakthrough: New Vaccines Offer Hope for Ending Lyme Disease"

Two new vaccines for Lyme disease, including VLA15 developed by Pfizer and Valneva in Phase 3 human trials, and a mouse-targeting vaccine by US Biologic, show promising results in combating the tick-borne illness. With Lyme disease cases on the rise, these developments offer hope for preventing and treating the debilitating condition, which affects hundreds of thousands of Americans each year. Additionally, research has identified a protein in human sweat that inhibits the growth of the bacterium causing Lyme disease, potentially offering further avenues for prevention and treatment.

Rising Lyme Disease Cases in Pennsylvania Linked to Forest Development
health2 years ago

Rising Lyme Disease Cases in Pennsylvania Linked to Forest Development

Pennsylvania leads the nation in Lyme disease cases, with the continued development of forested areas increasing the risk of tick bites. Forest fragmentation due to residential and commercial development reduces available hosts for ticks, making them more likely to bite humans. The state's forest land has decreased, with the western and eastern parts experiencing the most loss and accounting for over half of the state's Lyme disease cases. As tick season lengthens due to warmer temperatures, residents are more vulnerable to contracting Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Experts urge elected leaders to consider the risks of forest fragmentation before approving development projects and recommend designating separate areas for pollinators and recreation to mitigate interactions. State Senator Michele Brooks has proposed enhanced tick surveillance and expanded medical coverage for Lyme disease treatment.