Tag

Tick Borne Illness

All articles tagged with #tick borne illness

Lyme battle in New Jersey prompts a family to warn others
health15 days ago

Lyme battle in New Jersey prompts a family to warn others

A New Jersey man, Mike Gallagher, continues to struggle with lingering neurological symptoms from Lyme disease, unable to use his arms or play his guitar, prompting his community to hold a benefit concert to fund his ongoing treatment. Experts say rising tick populations in the Northeastern U.S.—driven by warmer temperatures—are increasing Lyme disease risk, underscoring prevention measures (protective clothing, repellents, tick checks) while scientists work on vaccines.

Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod Investigate Rare Tick-Borne Virus Cases
health7 months ago

Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod Investigate Rare Tick-Borne Virus Cases

A rare case of Powassan virus has been diagnosed in a one-month-old infant on Martha's Vineyard, making her the youngest known patient to contract the virus. The virus was transmitted through a tick bite, leading to severe health issues including brain damage and seizures. The family is urging caution and tick prevention, as there is no cure or vaccine for Powassan, which can be transmitted within 15 minutes of a tick bite. The community has rallied to support the family financially and emotionally.

Vineyard Health Officials Probe Powassan Virus Case
health7 months ago

Vineyard Health Officials Probe Powassan Virus Case

Vineyard health officials are investigating a rare case of Powassan virus, a potentially deadly tick-borne disease that can cause severe neurological issues, with only one previous case on the Island in the past 20 years. The virus is transmitted quickly by deer ticks, which are active from May to July, and there is no specific treatment. Preventative measures such as protective clothing and tick checks are strongly recommended, especially during peak tick activity.

Potential Spread of Rare Tick-Borne Illness into Virginia
health8 months ago

Potential Spread of Rare Tick-Borne Illness into Virginia

Experts warn that babesiosis, a parasitic tick-borne disease, is spreading southward into Virginia, with cases rising due to the migration of the northern blacklegged tick. Although still less common than Lyme disease, babesiosis poses serious health risks, especially to immunocompromised individuals, and awareness among medical professionals and the public is crucial for prevention and early diagnosis.

Shelby Co. Pet Hospital Warns of Deadly Tick-Borne Illness in Dogs
health1 year ago

Shelby Co. Pet Hospital Warns of Deadly Tick-Borne Illness in Dogs

A Tennessee veterinarian has diagnosed two dogs in the Arlington area with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, a potentially fatal tick-borne illness. Despite preventative measures, one of the affected dogs, a golden retriever named Stella, experienced severe symptoms but is now recovering. The veterinarian warns that the disease is a significant health concern in Tennessee and urges pet owners to maintain tick and flea prevention measures.

CDC Issues Disease Alert After Deadly Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Outbreak in Mexico
health2 years ago

CDC Issues Disease Alert After Deadly Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Outbreak in Mexico

The CDC has issued a disease alert after several cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a tick-borne illness, were reported in Southern California. Five people, including four minors, have been hospitalized, with three deaths. The disease often goes undiagnosed due to its early symptoms being mistaken for common ailments. The CDC recommends treating anyone who has been to northern Mexico recently and exhibits symptoms with the antibiotic doxycycline, without waiting for test results. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is endemic in parts of northern Mexico and the southwestern US, with a higher fatality rate in Mexico compared to the US.

Maryland Reports First Travel-Related Death from Tick-Borne Virus
health2 years ago

Maryland Reports First Travel-Related Death from Tick-Borne Virus

Maryland has reported its first travel-related death from Powassan, a rare tick-borne virus. The individual contracted the illness in Canada and later returned to Maryland. Powassan is spread through infected tick bites and is not transmissible between people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported an increase in cases in recent years, with a total of 28 confirmed cases in 2023 across nine states. Maryland's case is not yet included in the CDC data.

Maryland Reports First Death from Powassan Virus, Urges Caution Against Ticks
health2 years ago

Maryland Reports First Death from Powassan Virus, Urges Caution Against Ticks

Maryland has reported its first-ever case and death due to the Powassan virus, a rare tick-borne illness. The patient contracted the virus in Canada and later died in Maryland. The Powassan virus is spread through tick bites and is most commonly found in the Northeast and Great Lakes region. The virus cannot be transmitted from person to person, and there are currently no vaccines or medicines to prevent or treat the disease. Officials advise avoiding tick-infested areas and checking for ticks after being in such areas.