Oswego County Health Department warns of tick bite prevention in spring
Tick-borne diseases are a major cause for concern as the spring season begins. The Oswego County Health Department has warned residents to be cautious and avoid tick bites by taking preventative measures. Warmer winter weather has led to an increase in ticks on people, pets, and wildlife. This takes on added significance given that Babesiosis, a rare tick-borne disease, is on the rise in eight US states. Symptoms of Babesiosis can range from mild to severe and can include fever, fatigue, and muscle pain.
Tick Prevention Tips for New Yorkers
Ticks are prevalent throughout New York State, including blacklegged ticks, American dog ticks, and Lone Star ticks. Each of these species can carry various diseases such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, and Babesiosis. Ticks can be found in shady and moist areas close to the ground level. In order to prevent tick bites, individuals should wear light-colored clothing to detect ticks more easily, use insect repellent specifically designed for ticks, avoid dense woods or bushy areas where they breed and treat pets for ticks.
In case of a tick bite, it’s important to remove it quickly using finetipped tweezers near the mouth parts as close to the skin as possible. Then wash the affected area with soap and water.
Unseasonably warm weather causing tick problems for Massachusetts pets
Pet owners in Massachusetts are grappling with an increase in tick-borne illnesses like anaplasmosis and babesiosis. Veterinarians report that unseasonably high temperatures are creating an environment hospitable for parasites year-round. Dogs are particularly at risk of getting sick from ticks.
To prevent tick-borne illnesses in pets and humans, caregivers should conduct a tick-check 20 minutes after a walk. Ticks will likely attach themselves to pets’ ears, chest, feet, and noses leading to Lyme disease which can create weakness in the joints and heart if left untreated. The tick should be disposed of properly after removal.
Babesiosis cases rise in the US as blacklegged ticks increase
Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease that has newly been considered indigenous to three states – Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. This parasitic illness is on the upturn in eight Northeastern US states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
Over the past decade, the US has seen a worrying increase of about 25% in tick-borne diseases. Babesiosis is part of this spike, according to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). An increase in Babesiosis cases is directly related to the expanding population size and geographic range of blacklegged ticks.
Protective clothing like long sleeves and pants for outdoor activities are recommended. Usage of insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or permethrin is also effective. Ticks should be checked for after spending time outdoors. There are currently no vaccines available against tick-borne diseases so public education is seen as the primary tool for minimising these illnesses.
In conclusion, it’s important for individuals across the country to take every precaution to limit their exposure to ticks and tick bites. As temperatures become more unpredictable due to climate change, more ticks may survive throughout winter months which poses even more risks. By taking preventative steps like those outlined above and being vigilant about outdoor activities where ticks live, we can help stem the spread of these dangerous diseases.
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