Babesiosis, a disease usually transmitted by blacklegged ticks, is increasing in the mid-Atlantic region, raising concerns among researchers who worry that many doctors might not be ready for the upcoming surge in cases.
What’s happening?
This malaria-like illness is typically found in the Northeast and upper Midwest of the U.S. However, recent findings indicate that the disease is now spreading in mid-Atlantic states like Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware, likely due to recent shifts in weather patterns.
“While the numbers are still small, we want to issue an early warning before illness rates climb,” said Ellen Stromdahl, a Ph.D. and retired entomologist at the Defense Centers for Public Health – Aberdeen.
Why is babesiosis education important?
Climate change is causing several factors that increase human exposure to disease-carrying insects like blacklegged ticks.
Firstly, rising temperatures are throwing off the balance in various ecosystems, resulting in fewer animals that usually help manage tick populations. Some of these vectors have migrated to new areas due to extreme heat, reaching places where residents are not accustomed to the diseases they carry.
Secondly, milder winters have given these vectors a longer breeding period. In the mid-Atlantic, where temperatures have been higher than usual, ticks and other animals that can host the Babesia parasite, which causes babesiosis, have been thriving. Previously, Babesia was not reported in ticks from Virginia, Maryland, or Delaware until now.
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These conditions have resulted in increases in babesiosis, dengue fever, West Nile virus, and other illnesses in regions where they were once uncommon. Since these diseases are rare in these areas, there often aren’t many doctors experienced in treating them, which can worsen the situation.
What’s being done about babesiosis education?
Stromdahl hopes her research raises awareness among mid-Atlantic physicians so they know what to watch for in babesiosis cases. She also aims for local health departments to monitor tick populations and provide public health alerts.
On an individual level, taking measures to reduce personal pollution can also help decrease greenhouse gases. This action may slow the disruption of habitats for these vectors.
