May 18, 2015
Ticks Will Thrive This Spring & Summer, As Will Diseases
If you’re like our family, you’ve seen an increased number of ticks on the dogs this Spring, and from what I hear it looks like it’s going to get worse before it gets better. The lack of extreme cold this past winter in some areas and more heavy snowpack out East helped insulate and protect the tick population. Keep in mind ticks in general have an uncanny ability to survive harsh winter weather – some species can actually freeze without suffering any ill effects. From what I’ve learned, temperatures have to be below 10 degrees for a sustained period to kill those particularly hearty blood-suckers, and we didn’t actually see much of that this winter. So between the snow and mild temperatures, ticks are expected to be more abundant this year. Unfortunately more ticks means the chances of tick borne diseases being spread around will also increase. While you’ve probably heard of the most common one, Lyme disease, the list doesn’t stop there. Here are the worst of the known threats in North America. Remember, most of these start off presenting as a cold or flu, so if you or a family member start feeling under the weather, consider whether a tick bite could be the underlying cause!
Lyme Disease: The most well known and most widely spread of tick-borne diseases, it is carried by deer ticks (aka backlogged ticks) and can cause chronic autoimmune problems if left untreated. The disease is caused by the Borrelia bacteria, with symptoms including Fever, arthritis, a chronic migrating rash, cranial nerve palsy, carditis, fatigue, influenza-like illness and altered mental status. Late stage symptoms can be similar to Alzheimers, multiple sclerosis or viral meningitis. Yes, it can get very nasty.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: This comes from the Rickettsia rickettsii bacteria, transmitted by the American dog tick and Rocky Mountain wood tick, and most prevalent in the East and South West. Without prompt treatment, Rocky Mountain spotted fever can cause serious damage to internal organs, such as your kidneys and heart. Early signs and symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever include severe headache and high fever. A few days later, a rash usually appears on the wrists and ankles, but not always. The disease progresses quickly and left untreated, kills about 75% of victims, so get to the doctor right away if you become sick after a tick bite.
Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Tularemia: These are also bacterial infections spread by ticks, but tend to be less prevalent. They all have similar symptoms, much like the flu, including body aches and fever. Tularemia also often accompanies a skin ulcer or glandular swelling near the exposure site.
Powassan Virus: This is a viral infection that is part of the tick-borne encephalitis complex. It has been growing more prevalent in recent years, with most cases limited to the U.S. Northeast and Great Lakes regions. It can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, speech difficulties, and seizures.
Heartland Virus: Identified in North America in 2012, only 8 cases have been reported in Missouri and Tennessee. It’s thought to be spread by the Lone Star tick. All patients had a fever and felt very tired. Some also complained of headaches, muscle aches, diarrhea, losing their appetite, or feeling sick to their stomach. All required hospitalization and one died. (Sources: CDC, WebMD, Yahoo Health)
