The Southeast, particularly states like Georgia, has witnessed a concerning rise in tick bites this year, leading to an increase in hospital visits.
According to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emergency rooms across the nation have reported a significant spike in visits for treatment related to tick bites and tick-borne illnesses, especially in regions such as the Northeast and Midwest.
As summer commenced, the CDC noted that the Southeast region experienced an alarming rate of 70 emergency room visits per 100,000 inhabitants due to tick bites, mirroring the figures from the same period last year.
Ticks are known to be active throughout the year, even in colder climates; however, their activity peaks during the warmer months, particularly from spring through early fall, the CDC explains.
The data showcases a steady increase in tick-related ER visits in the Southeast from March (18 visits) to May (70 visits), followed by a slight decline in June (63 visits), suggesting a pattern of increasing then decreasing cases.
The Southeast encompasses states including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Nationwide, from January 1 to July 6 of this year, 447 emergency room visits per 100,000 have been attributed to tick bites, as reported by the CDC’s tick bite data tracker.
This statistic starkly contrasts with the figure of 509 per 100,000 visits for the entirety of 2024.
In June alone, 116 per 100,000 emergency room visits were related to tick bites, indicating that U.S. emergency rooms have not seen this level of tick-related visits during June since 2019.
The CDC highlights that the highest rates of ER visits occur among young children under the age of 10 and older adults over 70.
Notably, children younger than 9 in the Southeast have had the highest number of ER visits due to tick bites this year, while adults aged 80 and older accounted for the fewest visits.
Several factors have contributed to the surge in tick bite cases, among which climate change stands prominent.
Dr. Dennis Bente, a microbiology and immunology professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch, stated that record tick populations in various states this year have extended the tick season beyond usual summer months.
He warned that while most tick bites are prevalent in summer due to increased outdoor activities, it is crucial for people to remain vigilant year-round as ticks are now active during the winter months too, a shift attributed to climate change.
The diseases transmitted by tick bites often present with similar symptoms, which can complicate diagnosis.
Common symptoms of tick-borne illnesses include fever and chills, headaches, fatigue, and muscle aches.
Patients diagnosed with Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever typically exhibit unique rashes alongside these symptoms.
Beyond these, ticks are responsible for spreading Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Tularemia, and the Powassan virus.
Health officials are particularly wary of the lone star tick, which has been linked to a mysterious meat allergy.
This tick is identifiable by a distinctive white star-shaped splotch on the back of adult females, and its larvae travel in clusters, earning the nickname “tick bombs.”
Researchers remain uncertain as to why some individuals bitten by this tick develop the potentially life-threatening allergy to the red meat protein alpha-gal while others do not.
This allergy, known as AGS, is often difficult to diagnose as symptoms may take several hours to emerge after consuming red meat.
Additionally, some individuals may also develop allergies to dairy products and certain medications following a tick bite, with no known cure or treatment available yet.
For individuals who are bitten by a tick, the CDC recommends removing the tick promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, cleaning the bite area, and monitoring for any symptoms, such as fever, rash, or flu-like sensations for up to 30 days.
If such symptoms do develop, individuals are urged to seek medical attention.
Prevention is the best defense against tick bites.
Ticks often inhabit grassy, bushy, or wooded environments, making activities like walking dogs, camping, gardening, or hunting potential risk factors for exposure.
The CDC suggests treating clothing and gear with products containing 0.5 percent permethrin before engaging in outdoor activities.
Additionally, using Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents can significantly reduce the risk of tick bites.
The EPA provides a search tool to help individuals find the most suitable product for their needs.
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