As tick bites reach unprecedented levels across the US, doctors are urging the public to be vigilant about Lyme disease. Nearly 31 million Americans experience tick bites annually, and the warm, humid summer conditions have made ticks especially active this year.
Global warming has extended the tick season beyond summer, with the CDC reporting a spike in tick bite-related emergency visits, especially in the Northeast. The Fordham Tick Index rated the risk in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut as extremely high in early July.
Ticks carry Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, which causes Lyme disease. This illness can result in serious neurological symptoms, including facial paralysis, headaches, and nerve damage. Unfortunately, no vaccine exists, so recognizing symptoms early is vital.
A classic symptom is a bull’s-eye rash, but many people don’t notice it because tick bites are often painless. Fever, muscle pain, and nausea usually develop days or weeks after the bite.
Removing ticks promptly is essential to prevent infection. Besides Lyme disease, ticks can transmit other illnesses like babesiosis and Powassan virus, which can infect humans rapidly.
Some ticks cause additional health problems, such as the lone star tick triggering red meat allergies. Others carry infections that may lead to severe complications, sometimes requiring amputation.
Experts recommend avoiding tall grass, wearing protective clothing, and using insect repellents to reduce tick exposure.
