Tick-Borne Diseases Are Spreading—Experts Reveal How To Protect Yourself
Summary
Tick bites and diseases carried by ticks are increasing in many parts of the U.S., partly due to changing climates and expanding tick habitats. Experts advise using protective clothing, insect repellents, daily tick checks, and proper tick removal methods to reduce the risk of illness.Key Facts
- Tick season is changing with more tick bites and new tick-borne diseases appearing.
- Some tick-related illnesses can look alike, leading to misdiagnosis, like confusing Lyme disease with Bourbon virus.
- Alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy caused by tick bites, is becoming more common in areas with many lone star ticks.
- Daily tick checks and quick removal of ticks reduce the chance of disease transmission.
- Using EPA-approved repellents like DEET or picaridin, wearing permethrin-treated clothes, and showering soon after outdoor exposure help prevent ticks.
- To remove ticks safely, use fine-tipped tweezers and pull straight up without twisting or crushing the tick.
- Keeping yards clean by cutting grass, removing leaf litter, and reducing brush lowers tick populations near homes.
- Saving removed ticks in alcohol can help with testing if illness develops later.
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