A Tick Epidemic Hits New England

New England is facing a serious tick epidemic, with the notorious Lone Star ticks and deer ticks invading the region. This year, the severity of tick-borne diseases and bites has reached alarming levels, especially across New England and the Northeast.

Record ER Visits Amid Tick Bite Surge

In June, emergency room visits for tick bites soared to the highest levels seen in five years in the Northeast, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There were 233 ER visits per 100,000 people for tick bites, nearly double the national average of 118.

Massachusetts Sees Alarming Trends

The trend is particularly evident in Massachusetts, where over 0.6% of emergency department visits in May were due to tick exposure—up from 0.4% in prior years. As summer rolls in, visits typically peak in July, intensifying concerns about tick interactions.

An Unprecedented Year for Tick Encounters

Dr. Catherine Brown, Massachusetts' State Epidemiologist, emphasized that while the data doesn’t capture every tick encounter, it confirms a significant uptick in human-tick interactions. "This year is definitely an outlier for us," Brown remarked.

Tick Nymphs on the Rise: A Host of Problems Ahead

According to Thomas Mather, director of the University of Rhode Island’s Center for Vector-Borne Diseases, the rise in tick-borne diseases is primarily due to a surge in the nymph stage of blacklegged ticks, which are the size of poppy seeds and can infect about 20% of those bitten with Lyme disease.

Humidity Expands Tick Territories

Increasing humidity levels in New England, a byproduct of climate change, have created a more favorable environment for ticks. Ken Mahan, lead meteorologist, explained that higher moisture levels, particularly evident with dew points exceeding 65 degrees, have become more common in recent years.

Lone Star Ticks: An Unexpected Intrusion

The recent migration of Lone Star ticks into New England marks a significant shift. Mather's project, TickSpotter, revealed a 300% increase in sightings of these ticks within the past three years, particularly on Martha's Vineyard and Narragansett Bay.

Personal Costs of Tick Bites: The Alpha-gal Fear

Families are feeling the effects, as seen with Allison Cameron Parry from Martha's Vineyard, whose family has developed Alpha-gal syndrome—an allergy to red meat stemming from tick bites. The situation causes concern for parents, particularly with young children playing outdoors.

Expert Tips for Staying Tick-Free

At a recent panel by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, experts recommended proactive measures to prevent tick bites, including treating clothing with permethrin, and swiftly removing ticks from the skin to minimize infection risks.

Advancements in Tick-Borne Disease Prevention

The conversation also shifted to potential vaccines against tick-borne diseases, with developments underway, including a Lyme disease vaccine in clinical trials and hopeful advancements toward treatments for Alpha-gal syndrome.

Conclusion: The Importance of Awareness and Action

As tick populations burgeon, staying informed and vigilant is crucial. Ticks may be tiny, but their impact is tremendous and can lead to life-altering health challenges. Engaging in prevention, seeking immediate treatment, and being aware of environmental changes are essential steps for health and safety this tick season!