Lyme Disease. Is It A Bigger Threat Than We Realize?

Lyme disease is a problem in the United States, but is it a bigger threat than we realize? A recent study has shown that many areas across the U.S, once believed to be safe from the species of tick that spread this debilitating disease, are now under threat. Here’s an article with some more useful information.

Lyme-Bearing Ticks More Widespread in U.S. Than Thought

Think you live in a place that’s free from disease-carrying ticks? Don’t be so sure. Citizen scientists found ticks capable of transmitting Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses in dozens of places across the United States where the pests had never previously been recorded, a new study reports. All told, disease-carrying ticks were detected in 83 counties where they’d never been found before across 24 states. The numbers reflect a rise in tick populations across the country, said study author Nate Nieto. He’s an associate professor with Northern Arizona University’s department of biological sciences.

Of course, it’s not just Lyme that these tiny critters carry. They are also responsible for the spread of other infectious diseases, and there are new ones emerging all the time.

It’s important to know what type of ticks are in your area and what diseases are capable of being transmitted. In any event, it is better to be safe than sorry and to always ensure you are taking preventative measures against ticks.

This useful article, can help to identify where certain types of ticks are likely to be found.

Geographic distribution of ticks that bite humans

Of the many different tick species found throughout the world, only a select few bite and transmit disease to people. Of the ticks that bite people, different species of ticks transmit different diseases. These maps show the general distribution of human-biting ticks in the contiguous United States. Populations of ticks may be found outside shaded areas.

Remember, that the species of tick that may be in your geographical area may change, so it’s important to regularly review the latest reports when it comes to ticks and diseases reported in your local region.