Tick-borne diseases skyrocket. Protect yourself before it’s too late

By Sage Scott Associated Press Latest Centers for Syndrome Control and Prevention or CDC studies estimate about Americans may be diagnosed with Lyme disorder each year But there s another fast-growing tick-borne condition you ve allegedly never heard of and it could change your life forever Tick-borne diseases are on the rise and not just in the places you might expect Alpha-gal syndrome or AGS is one tick-triggered allergy that can change what you eat the medications you tolerate and how you live the rest of your life The rise of tick-borne diseases According to an article by the National Institutes of Fitness bites from infected ticks are responsible for about half a million new illnesses each year in the U S And those numbers are rising While Tick-Borne Conditions United notes that Lyme affection remains the majority of commonly published tick-borne complaint AGS is briskly emerging as a serious yet widely overlooked threat Related Articles Key vaccine committee meets for the first time under Robert F Kennedy Jr A fifth of Americans are on Medicaid A few of them have no idea US moves ahead on tariffs with investigations into computer chips and pharmaceuticals As dementia rates increase experts warn hospital urgency rooms are underprepared Tax time triggers fraud alarms for particular Obamacare enrollees A modern analysis of lab content suggests that AGS may already be the second most-common tick-borne illness in the U S even though it s not officially tracked in the greater part states and the CDC determined that a great number of medical care providers are unfamiliar with the condition As a aftermath largest part Americans are unaware that a single tick bite could make them allergic to mammalian meat dairy medications and even soundness and beauty products Communities at threat The peril of encountering disease-carrying ticks extends far beyond remote wilderness trails People with certain occupations and recreational lifestyles face predominantly high exposure Farmers landscapers park rangers and military members often work in wooded or grassy environments where ticks thrive With extended hours outdoors and frequent contact with vegetation and animals these workers are at the front lines of tick-borne illness liability Outdoor enthusiasts including hikers campers hunters and birdwatchers even people walking their dog regularly immerse themselves in tick habitats often during peak season which is April through June Children involved in youth organizations such as the Girl Scouts Boy Scouts and -H also spend time in similar environments increasing their vulnerability to tick bites and possible infections Unexpected sources of tick bites A multitude of people assume tick bites only happen in the deep woods or on backcountry hikes In reality chosen of the majority of overlooked menace factors are much closer to home Household pets that spend time outside particularly dogs can unknowingly bring ticks indoors Even if a pet is treated with a tick preventive it may still carry ticks on its fur creating a expected exposure hazard for everyone in the home Ticks are also increasingly ascertained in urban and suburban areas Landscaped golf courses well-tended city parks and even society gardens can harbor these parasites In various regions tick presence has even been documented near beaches Since their initial sighting on Martha s Vineyard more than a decade ago the Vineyard Gazette in the last few days informed that lone star ticks have been sighted along nearly all of the island s coastline On the West Coast NPR revealed that the coastal shrubs and grasses in Northern California are a surprising new habitat for ticks Common tick species and the diseases they carry While Lyme disorder remains the bulk recognized tick-borne illness alpha-gal syndrome is rapidly gaining ground Once thought to be caused only by the lone star tick CDC studies now confirm that other tick species including the blacklegged and western blacklegged ticks may also trigger AGS in the United States There s so much more to the puzzle of tick-borne diseases that we don t understand says population strength expert Jennifer Platt DrPH co-founder of Tick-Borne Conditions United With thousands of Lyme patients telling us they can t tolerate red meat we ve long suspected other ticks are involved This shifting science adds urgency Blacklegged ticks known for spreading Lyme are common in the Eastern U S and Midwest Western blacklegged ticks thrive along the Pacific Coast And lone star ticks once considered a Southern difficulty have now expanded into the Northeast Midwest and Southwest That means millions of Americans may be at peril for AGS and not even know it Unlike Lyme AGS has no cure no universal restoration and no consistent tracking system Additionally multiple doctors aren t familiar with it testing is limited and patients can spend years searching for answers Preventing tick bites Avoiding tick bites is essential to reduce the threat of tick-borne diseases Ticks are progressing every season except deep winter so take preventive measures year-round Dr Thomas Mather director of the University of Rhode Island s Center for Vector-Borne Infection and its TickEncounter Fund Center and one of the country s foremost tick experts promotes the three T s for personal tick protection tucking treated clothing and tight-fitting compression clothing Before heading outdoors Mather also recommends applying an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent containing at least DEET picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil to exposed skin and clothing You can also follow product instructions to treat clothing and gear with permethrin or buy pretreated items designed to repel ticks Dress to prevent contact by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants but be sure to tuck your shirt in at the waist and your pant cuffs into your socks Tight-fitting compression-style clothing like leggings and insect-repelling shirts from Rynoskin help keep ticks from crawling up inside of clothing Stick to well-trodden trails and avoid brushing against tall grasses and shrubs After returning indoors place worn clothing in a dryer on high heat for at least minutes before washing to kill any hidden ticks Perform a thorough tick check especially underarms behind ears in the belly button behind knees around the waist between legs and on the scalp especially at the hairline Showering within two hours may help wash off unattached ticks and is a good time to check your body Inspect pets that spend time outside as they can carry ticks indoors Ask your vet about effective prevention options and check pets daily Identify and overview ticks If you discover a tick attached to your body remove it this instant The CDC recommends using fine-tipped tweezers Grasp the tick as close to the skin as practicable and pull upward with steady even pressure Twisting or jerking can cause parts of the tick to break off and remain embedded After removing the tick clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol Whenever accomplishable save the tick in a sealed container or plastic bag noting the date and location of the bite This can be useful if you develop indicators later and need to identify the species involved TickSpotters is a free quick-turnaround tick identification activity at The University of Rhode Island Submit a photo of the top side of the tick to classify it and receive tips to reduce your peril of future tick bites Knowledge is your best repellent As tick populations continue to grow and spread so do the risks of the diseases they carry Awareness is no longer an option with tick habitats spreading beyond their original range Prevention is powerful and it starts with you Staying informed practicing safe outdoor habits and reporting tick encounters are powerful tools to protect not just yourself but your broader population Sage Scott was diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome in March She is the creator of Sage Alpha Gal a trusted deposit for the growing alpha-gal group that offers alpha-gal-friendly recipes helpful tips and a supportive space to tackle life with AGS Disclaimer These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute healthcare advice The content presented here is not intended to be a substitute for professional health advice finding or medication Invariably seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a anatomical condition or dietary changes Reliance on any information provided by this article is solely at your own liability