Emergency rooms nationwide have seen a rise in tick bite cases, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC reported that, while tick-related ER cases have declined since the start of summer, this July has already seen the highest number of tick-related ER visits for the month in at least five years, with the northeastern U.S. seeing the highest number of cases.
Who is most at risk?
Infectious disease experts have warned that young children and older adults are at the highest risk of contracting diseases spread by ticks. Those under the age of 10 and those over the age of 70 have the highest rates of hospitalization cases related to tick bites, as reported by the CDC.
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How big is the risk?
For people in the Northeast, the threat is especially worrisome, with the Fordham Tick Index, which tracks tick activity in southern New York, Connecticut and Northern New Jersey, now indicating that the risk of a tick bite is “very high” or as a 9 out of 10 on its scale.
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Lyme disease is most prevalent in the upper Midwest and the Northeast, and is usually caused by a tick carrying borrelia bacteria.
Why is this alarming to health professionals?
Spring and early summer typically mark the year’s peak in ER cases of tick bites. However, July’s near-record numbers have prompted medical professionals to issue further caution to the public about the health threat these tiny arachnids can pose.
What should you look for?
According to the CDC, tick bites can lead to illnesses such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, which can cause similar symptoms, including fever, chills, headache, fatigue and muscle aches.
To prevent getting bitten, the CDC advises avoiding heavily wooded areas, long grass and leaves. The agency also notes that people outdoors should use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect sprays that contain DEET and Picaridin. It also recommends treating clothing and outdoor gear with permethrin, which repels ticks even after multiple washes. If using sunscreen with the repellent, the agency recommends applying sunscreen first and then the repellent.
Doctors also urge people to have another person check their body for ticks and look for any distinctive rashes, as these may be signs of tick-related illnesses.
