Tick Season: Rising Threats and Essential Safety Measures
Tick-borne diseases, particularly Lyme disease, are on the rise in the United States as the country experiences an especially bad tick season, with diagnoses of Lyme disease 17% higher than the previous year. The peak of tick season is falling just before the Fourth of July holiday, and experts are urging people to take personal precautions to protect against tick bites. The blacklegged tick, also known as the deer tick, is the primary carrier of Lyme disease and other pathogens. Factors such as expanding tick habitats, changing human habitats, and warmer weather are contributing to the increased risk of tick-borne diseases. Increased awareness and vigilance are crucial in controlling the spread of tick-borne illnesses, as ticks are difficult to control due to their widespread nature.