Beware of Tick Invasion: More People Heading to Hospitals in Maryland
Summer might not be in full swing yet, but a certain pesky critter is already making its presence felt. Tick bites have sent over 25% more people to emergency rooms nationwide compared to last year. The northeastern states, with Maryland leading the pack, are the most affected.
Local medical experts and health officials are gearing up for a rise in Lyme disease and other illnesses caused by ticks. One of these diseases can even trigger a severe allergic reaction to red meat. It looks like this year will be marked by a surge in ticks and the diseases they carry.
Over the last twenty years, tick populations and their habitats have been steadily on the rise. Climate change and increasing temperatures are to blame for this trend. Even in harsh, snowy winters, ticks can survive by using the snow as a sort of protective igloo.
Lyme Disease: The Main Culprit
Lyme disease is the most widespread illness linked to ticks. In the most recent year for which data is available, over 89,000 cases were reported across the United States.
Experts believe that the actual number might be much higher. This is because many cases go unreported or misdiagnosed due to their non-specific symptoms. In Maryland alone, over 2,400 cases of Lyme disease were documented in the last recorded year. This figure rose to over 3,000 the next year, nearly tripling the number of cases since four years ago.
Deer ticks, also known as black-legged ticks, are responsible for transmitting Lyme disease. These ticks are prevalent in Maryland. Experts estimate that up to half of the deer ticks in the state carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. This could explain the higher risk in Maryland and nearby northern states.
Lyme disease can cause fatigue, fever, aches, and occasionally a distinctive bull's-eye rash. If left untreated, it can lead to complications affecting the heart, joints, and nervous system. If a tick has been attached for more than 36 hours, which is the time it takes to transmit the disease, or if symptoms appear after being in a wooded area, one should remove the tick and consult a doctor.
Doctors in Maryland are well-acquainted with tick-borne illnesses and can usually treat them without a visit to the emergency room. Treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics to eradicate the bacteria. However, some patients may require a longer course of treatment due to persistent symptoms.
Some individuals may experience more prolonged issues, like joint inflammation and fatigue, often referred to as post-treatment Lyme syndrome. This condition is not well-understood, and can be persistent, but tends to resolve over time.
Other Tick-Transmitted Diseases
Aside from Lyme disease, ticks can spread other diseases like babesiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These diseases are less common in Maryland compared to Lyme disease. Initial symptoms often resemble the flu and can be challenging to distinguish from other conditions.
Another notable illness spread by ticks is alpha-gal syndrome, which can mimic an allergy. This condition is transmitted by lone star ticks, which are also common in Maryland. It can cause an allergic reaction to red meat, leading to hives, digestive problems, and in severe cases, life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Unfortunately, there are currently no vaccines available for these tick-borne diseases, although a promising vaccine for Lyme disease is in advanced stages of study. It could be available in a year, but it may not be widely used as it might require multiple shots.
Prevention is Key
The best way to combat these diseases is through prevention. The state health department has already started its yearly campaign to raise awareness about diseases carried by ticks and to encourage residents to take precautions. Enjoying the outdoors is encouraged, but it is important to be aware of ticks and take measures to protect oneself and pets.
Officials warn that ticks are often found in leaf piles, weeds, tall grass, shrubs, and woods. If you plan to spend time in these areas, you should:
Summer might not be in full swing yet, but a certain pesky critter is already making its presence felt. Tick bites have sent over 25% more people to emergency rooms nationwide compared to last year. The northeastern states, with Maryland leading the pack, are the most affected.
Local medical experts and health officials are gearing up for a rise in Lyme disease and other illnesses caused by ticks. One of these diseases can even trigger a severe allergic reaction to red meat. It looks like this year will be marked by a surge in ticks and the diseases they carry.
Over the last twenty years, tick populations and their habitats have been steadily on the rise. Climate change and increasing temperatures are to blame for this trend. Even in harsh, snowy winters, ticks can survive by using the snow as a sort of protective igloo.
Lyme Disease: The Main Culprit
Lyme disease is the most widespread illness linked to ticks. In the most recent year for which data is available, over 89,000 cases were reported across the United States.
Experts believe that the actual number might be much higher. This is because many cases go unreported or misdiagnosed due to their non-specific symptoms. In Maryland alone, over 2,400 cases of Lyme disease were documented in the last recorded year. This figure rose to over 3,000 the next year, nearly tripling the number of cases since four years ago.
Deer ticks, also known as black-legged ticks, are responsible for transmitting Lyme disease. These ticks are prevalent in Maryland. Experts estimate that up to half of the deer ticks in the state carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. This could explain the higher risk in Maryland and nearby northern states.
Lyme disease can cause fatigue, fever, aches, and occasionally a distinctive bull's-eye rash. If left untreated, it can lead to complications affecting the heart, joints, and nervous system. If a tick has been attached for more than 36 hours, which is the time it takes to transmit the disease, or if symptoms appear after being in a wooded area, one should remove the tick and consult a doctor.
Doctors in Maryland are well-acquainted with tick-borne illnesses and can usually treat them without a visit to the emergency room. Treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics to eradicate the bacteria. However, some patients may require a longer course of treatment due to persistent symptoms.
Some individuals may experience more prolonged issues, like joint inflammation and fatigue, often referred to as post-treatment Lyme syndrome. This condition is not well-understood, and can be persistent, but tends to resolve over time.
Other Tick-Transmitted Diseases
Aside from Lyme disease, ticks can spread other diseases like babesiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These diseases are less common in Maryland compared to Lyme disease. Initial symptoms often resemble the flu and can be challenging to distinguish from other conditions.
Another notable illness spread by ticks is alpha-gal syndrome, which can mimic an allergy. This condition is transmitted by lone star ticks, which are also common in Maryland. It can cause an allergic reaction to red meat, leading to hives, digestive problems, and in severe cases, life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Unfortunately, there are currently no vaccines available for these tick-borne diseases, although a promising vaccine for Lyme disease is in advanced stages of study. It could be available in a year, but it may not be widely used as it might require multiple shots.
Prevention is Key
The best way to combat these diseases is through prevention. The state health department has already started its yearly campaign to raise awareness about diseases carried by ticks and to encourage residents to take precautions. Enjoying the outdoors is encouraged, but it is important to be aware of ticks and take measures to protect oneself and pets.
Officials warn that ticks are often found in leaf piles, weeds, tall grass, shrubs, and woods. If you plan to spend time in these areas, you should:
- Use insect repellents approved by the environmental protection agency, such as DEET, picaridin, or IR3535
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks or boots
- Opt for light-colored clothing to spot ticks more easily
- Treat your clothes with permethrin or buy clothes and gear already treated with it
- Shower as soon as you return indoors
- Dry your clothes on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any ticks
- Check yourself, children, and pets for ticks after being outdoors