Anticipations of Severe Tick Season as ER Visits Increase Across the US
This summer, experts are warning about an intensified tick season, the most severe since 2017, as emergency room visits due to tick bites surge in many parts of the nation.
A health specialist from Wisconsin, Rebecca Osborn, who keeps an eye on ticks and the diseases they carry, expresses her concern about the situation. She pointed out the reasons behind the rapid spread of these ticks, stating, "Climate changes are causing warmer temperatures, which favor the expansion of ticks into new territories."
Potential Threats From Different Ticks
The lone star tick is one particular species that health officials are closely monitoring. This tick can transmit a condition known as alpha-gal, which can cause an allergy to red meat in those affected.
Another disease of concern is Powassan, a virus transmitted by ticks that can attack the central nervous system, potentially leading to memory loss, speech difficulties, and even seizures.
Despite continuous efforts to educate people about preventing tick bites, Osborn lamented, "We are witnessing an increase in all tick-borne diseases."
Tick Awareness Extends to Summer Camps
At a YMCA camp near East Troy, Wisconsin, camp counselors are incorporating tick awareness into their summer program. Children are taught not only to enjoy their summer activities but also how to check for ticks.
Camp counselor Maggie Windon shared her personal experience, saying, "I found one on the front part of my leg, and then during our routine tick checks in the showers at night, I discovered another one at the very back of my leg. Both were embedded."
Windon, along with another 17-year-old counselor Torie Hall, are responsible for hundreds of campers throughout the summer. They play a crucial role in helping the campers check for ticks, especially in hard-to-reach areas like their hair and the back of their neck.
Osborn emphasized that while bug repellents and long clothing are the first line of defense against ticks, constant vigilance is required, especially as the tick season worsens. Windon echoed this sentiment, saying, "I've noticed an increase in the number of ticks I've seen on kids' clothing. It's definitely more than I've observed in the past."
Preventing Tick-Borne Diseases: Useful Tips
It's crucial to know that if a tick is removed within 24 hours, the risk of contracting Lyme disease, one of the most common tick-borne illnesses, can be significantly reduced. Here are some tips on what to do if you find a tick on your body:
This summer, experts are warning about an intensified tick season, the most severe since 2017, as emergency room visits due to tick bites surge in many parts of the nation.
A health specialist from Wisconsin, Rebecca Osborn, who keeps an eye on ticks and the diseases they carry, expresses her concern about the situation. She pointed out the reasons behind the rapid spread of these ticks, stating, "Climate changes are causing warmer temperatures, which favor the expansion of ticks into new territories."
Potential Threats From Different Ticks
The lone star tick is one particular species that health officials are closely monitoring. This tick can transmit a condition known as alpha-gal, which can cause an allergy to red meat in those affected.
Another disease of concern is Powassan, a virus transmitted by ticks that can attack the central nervous system, potentially leading to memory loss, speech difficulties, and even seizures.
Despite continuous efforts to educate people about preventing tick bites, Osborn lamented, "We are witnessing an increase in all tick-borne diseases."
Tick Awareness Extends to Summer Camps
At a YMCA camp near East Troy, Wisconsin, camp counselors are incorporating tick awareness into their summer program. Children are taught not only to enjoy their summer activities but also how to check for ticks.
Camp counselor Maggie Windon shared her personal experience, saying, "I found one on the front part of my leg, and then during our routine tick checks in the showers at night, I discovered another one at the very back of my leg. Both were embedded."
Windon, along with another 17-year-old counselor Torie Hall, are responsible for hundreds of campers throughout the summer. They play a crucial role in helping the campers check for ticks, especially in hard-to-reach areas like their hair and the back of their neck.
Osborn emphasized that while bug repellents and long clothing are the first line of defense against ticks, constant vigilance is required, especially as the tick season worsens. Windon echoed this sentiment, saying, "I've noticed an increase in the number of ticks I've seen on kids' clothing. It's definitely more than I've observed in the past."
Preventing Tick-Borne Diseases: Useful Tips
It's crucial to know that if a tick is removed within 24 hours, the risk of contracting Lyme disease, one of the most common tick-borne illnesses, can be significantly reduced. Here are some tips on what to do if you find a tick on your body: