What to Know about the Increase of Tick-Borne Diseases July 28 2022

Climate change and other environmental factors have led to extending numerous tick species' populations into higher latitudes in North America. The environment has become more favorable for ticks as temperatures rise, and the season suited for tick activity lengthens. Aside from Lyme disease, four more tick-borne diseases (TBDs) have emerged and are expected to spread: anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and the Powassan virus. 

Rising temperatures allow tick survival and expanded activity periods of both reservoir and tick hosts (e.g., mice and deer). This also extends the season during which people may be exposed to ticks.

To reduce the effect of all TBDs, public health initiatives include surveillance to detect present and developing TBDs and public health interventions to prevent infections by lowering environmental and social-behavioral risk factors through increased public awareness. Patient education, early identification, laboratory testing, and therapy are all examples of clinical care techniques.

In this article, we will run you through everything you need to know about the rising populations of tick species and how you can prevent tick bites.

The Increase of Tick-Borne Diseases in the US

As more people walk outside this summer to go camping, hiking, or gardening in their backyards, they may encounter some unpleasant visitors: ticks.

According to reports, the tick population has grown recently, and the diseases they transmit have become increasingly common. Tick-borne diseases have more than quadrupled in the United States during the last two decades, owing to increasing awareness, a growing population, and environmental change.

Clinicians and academics are worried about the growing public health hazard of tick-borne illnesses since there are still many unknowns.

Expanding Tick Populations

According to some scientists, climate change has contributed to the spread of tick populations and the associated increase in sickness. Ticks have more time to find hosts in the spring, summer, and fall as temperatures rise and winters shorten.

For example, the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is a historically southern species linked to a rare but potentially fatal red meat allergy. This tick has been steadily moving north over the last half-century, most recently creeping into Connecticut, Rhode Island, and southwestern Michigan.

Preventing Tick Bites

Because there haven't been many successful tick-control methods, teaching individuals how to avoid tick bites in the first place is the best public health strategy.

We are still stuck with personal prevention and awareness for the time being.

Until a Lyme Disease vaccine is available, it’s vital to apply repellents and dress in long-sleeved, light-colored clothes while walking outside for an extended amount of time.

In addition to natural insect repellents, experts say permethrin, commonly applied to clothes, is an excellent approach to preventing tick bites.

Of course, there is tick checking. To avoid missing a possible bite, experts recommend that individuals examine themselves every 12 hours after engaging in outdoor activities.

People should feel more secure about spending time outside if adequate preventive and education are implemented.

People should not be frightened to go outside, enjoy their yards, or go into the woods. A natural bug spray should be analogous to wearing a helmet when biking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ticks are increasingly moving into areas of the country that have historically not seen them before. The tick populations are growing due to climate change, and there are many more tick-borne diseases than before. Tick repellants are a vital way to prevent tick bites, and you should use them while spending time outdoors.

Are you looking for an all-natural insect repellent in the US? Carpé Insectae has all-natural insect repellants, bug sprays, tick and flea sprays, and other products that can help prevent tick and insect bites. Check out our collection today!