Ticks are becoming active earlier than usual this year, and experts warn that we could be in for a severe season of Lyme disease. Typically, ticks are most active from April to September, but reports of tick activity have already been received by New Hampshire health officials. In fact, a Minnesota county reported its first deer tick of the year in early February. The mild end to winter is to blame for this uptick in tick activity.

According to the New York State Department of Health, ticks can be active when outdoor temperatures reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit. With the weather getting warmer, people in New York are spending more time outdoors, increasing their exposure to ticks. State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald emphasizes the importance of educating the public on preventing tick bites and tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. It only takes one bite from an infected tick to contract Lyme disease, which can lead to debilitating symptoms.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. It is most prevalent in the upper midwestern, northeastern, and mid-Atlantic states. Rhode Island, Vermont, and Maine had the highest incidence rates for Lyme disease in 2022, with New York ranking sixth among US states. Although data for 2022 and 2023 in New York are not yet available, health officials expect significantly higher numbers of Lyme disease cases due to changes in reporting methods.

The Environmental Protection Agency attributes the rise in Lyme disease cases nationwide to shorter winters, allowing ticks to be active for longer periods, as well as changes in deer populations, which are the primary hosts for ticks. The bacteria responsible for Lyme disease are Borrelia burgdorferi and, less commonly, Borrelia mayonii. Blacklegged ticks spread Borrelia burgdorferi primarily in the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and north-central US, while the western blacklegged tick is the main carrier in the Pacific Coast states.

To transmit Lyme disease, ticks usually need to be attached for 36 to 48 hours or longer. Removing a tick within 24 hours can significantly reduce the risk of infection, but it is not guaranteed. Ticks are commonly found in yards, wooded areas, and low-growing grasslands. The prevalence of Lyme disease bacteria in ticks varies depending on the location, ranging from less than 1% to over 50%.

Symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, chills, headaches, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes or rashes. If left untreated, long-term symptoms can include facial palsy, heart palpitations, nerve pain, and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. The characteristic early sign of Lyme disease is an erythema migrans rash, appearing in about 70 to 80% of infected individuals. The CDC recommends a two-step blood test for diagnosis.

Prevention is the most effective way to protect against Lyme disease. Using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing in areas with high tick populations, and regularly checking for ticks are crucial. Prompt treatment with antibiotics in the early stages of Lyme disease results in a quick and full recovery. Various antibiotics are used depending on the manifestation and severity of the disease.

Unfortunately, there is currently no available vaccine for Lyme disease. However, pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, Valneva, and Moderna are working on vaccine candidates that are undergoing clinical trials. In 2002, the only vaccine available, LYMERix, was discontinued due to insufficient demand, despite the lack of evidence linking it to adverse effects.

Researchers are also exploring alternative methods to prevent Lyme disease, including monoclonal antibody treatments as pre-exposure prophylaxis and more sensitive diagnostic tests. Additionally, vaccinating mice in tick-infested areas aims to spread immunity to the ticks themselves.

As tick activity increases, it is essential for individuals to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from Lyme disease. Early detection and proper treatment are key to preventing long-term complications.