As tick activity ramps up, experts are urging caution for anyone planning to spend time outdoors.
Emergency room visits for tick bites have soared to their highest levels since 2017 for this time of year. Several areas in the United States, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest, are experiencing heightened tick activity, likely due to rising temperatures, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Each year, around 476,000 people undergo treatment for Lyme disease, making it the most commonly reported tick-borne illness in the U.S.
Rising Emergency Visits Due to Tick Bites
The Northeast has seen the largest spike in tick-related emergency room visits as of April, with rates significantly exceeding those in other parts of the country. The Midwest follows as the next most affected region.
CDC Alerts on Increasing Tick Bites
The CDC is sounding the alarm as tick bites are on the rise. It’s striking how the Northeast is currently facing such a concentration of incidents compared to other regions.
Understanding Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is often transmitted through bites from infected ticks. Because blacklegged ticks are small and their bites can go unnoticed, many who develop Lyme disease might not even remember being bitten, according to Harvard Health.
Trends in Lyme Disease Cases Across the U.S.
Factors contributing to increases in tick populations include climate change, warmer winters, and expanding habitats. These conditions allow ticks to thrive and spread into new areas. Interestingly, around 90% of Lyme disease cases in the U.S. are reported in just 14 states, including Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, and New York, among others.
Lyme Disease Transmission via Ticks
It’s important to note that not all ticks carry the Lyme bacteria. In certain areas, less than 1% of ticks may be infected, while in others, that number can be as high as 50%, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. The two main species that transmit Lyme disease are the blacklegged tick and the Western blacklegged tick, both of which can lead to various health issues. Most cases are reported mainly from the Upper Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic regions.
What to Do After Being Outdoors
After enjoying time outdoors, it’s wise to check for ticks on your body. They can be incredibly small, sometimes no bigger than a poppy seed. The U.S. Forest Service recommends several steps for effective tick checks:
- Check Your Clothes: Remove your clothing and inspect your shoes, backpacks, and outer layers for any hidden ticks.
- Take a Shower: Showering soon after returning from high-risk areas helps remove unattached ticks and aids in finding those that might be stuck.
- Use a Mirror: Conduct a thorough examination using a full-length or handheld mirror, looking out for any tiny black dots that might look like new freckles.
- Inspect Hidden Areas: Ticks love warm, shaded, and moist spots, so pay special attention to your hair, ears, underarms, groin, behind your knees, and between your toes.
For Lyme disease transmission typically to occur, a tick needs to be attached for around 24 to 36 hours, according to the CDC. However, other tick-borne illnesses can transfer in as little as 15 minutes, so acting quickly to remove a tick can significantly lower the risk of infection.
