Three Most Common Tick-borne Diseases in New York

Three Most Common Tick-borne Diseases 

While some tick diseases are endemic, others are location-specific. For instance, in North-East, Anaplasmosis is found, while Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is rampant in the US’s southeastern part. However, no matter where you live, you should know about the most common tick-borne diseases and their symptoms to get yourself treated right on time –

1. Rocky Mountain Fever

Rocky Mountain spotted fever or RMSF is a bacterial disease that spreads through an infected tick bite. It is one of the most common tick-borne illnesses found in the United States. If left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening conditions.

Transmission

Rocky Mountain fever is transmitted through various ticks in the United States, including American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, and brown dog tick. The cases of rocky mountain fever are prevalent in the entire States. However, the most prone areas include North Carolina, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

Symptoms

Early signs and symptoms of Rocky Mountain fever include headache and fever. Nonetheless, it can spread rapidly and lead to severe conditions –

• Fever
• Headache
• Rash
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Muscle pain
• Loss of appetite

Prevention

Ticks usually grow in moist and bushy areas or even on animals. Hence, spending a gala time outdoors, gardening or hunting can bring you in close contact with ticks. If you plan to go for such excursions, ensure that your family is covered with enough clothing. Also, check for ticks every two to four hours to avoid a bite.

2. Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Typical symptoms of Lyme Disease include fever, headache, and rashes on the body. It can spread to the nervous system, heart, and joints if left untreated.

Transmission

As discussed, the bacterium responsible for Lyme Disease is Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted by the bite of infected ticks. From the past few decades, typical cases of black-legged ticks in the north-central United States have been talked about. These ticks can attach to the human body quickly and spread throughout the system.

Symptoms

Lyme disease can show symptoms based on the stage of infection.

This disease’s early signs and symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and rashes. If left untreated, the disease precipitates into a later stage, including severe headaches, nerve pain, facial palsy, dizziness, shortness of breath, and tingling in hands and feet.

Prevention

Ticks cannot be avoided, but proper precautions can be taken to overcome such illnesses. Ensure your safety by finding the best mosquito control system in your area as well as before going outdoors. Check your clothing after coming from adventures. Tumble dry clothes on high heat for 10-15 minutes or wash them with hot water. Hot water is known to kill ticks immediately.

In addition to this, examine your pets. Most of the ticks spread from pets. Bath them daily with hot water and get vaccinated.

3. Tularemia

Tularemia, also called deer fly fever or rabbit fever, is another rampant disease in tick-borne illnesses. It can infect both animals and people and is caused by deer fly bites.

Tularemia can be severe and lead to fatal conditions. However, it can be treated with antibiotics.

Transmission

The bacterium Francisella tularensis causes tularemia. The bacteria causing Tularemia is highly infectious and can enter the human body through the eyes, skin, mouth, or lungs. The United States of America has reported Tularemia from usually dog ticks.

Symptoms

As the bacteria can enter via various ports in the body, the disease symptoms also vary depending on the port. The disease can range from mild to life-threatening if left untreated.

• Fever
• Chest pain
• Cough
• Swollen lymph glands
• Sore throat
• Mouth ulcers
• Difficulty in breathing

Prevention

The best way to get rid of ticks is to utilize insect repellants. Make sure to wear long pants, long socks, and long sleeves to prevent deer ticks. If you find a tick, remove it immediately from your clothes. Take a hot water bath and do not drink contaminated water.