BURLINGTON, Vt. and Baton Rouge - As the warmer months approach, health officials are urging people to take precautions against tick-borne diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 62,000 cases of tick-borne diseases were reported in the United States in 2022. In Vermont alone, over 1,400 reports of Lyme disease were recorded.
Rebecca Vickery from Essex, Vermont has firsthand experience with the debilitating effects of Lyme disease. She describes symptoms such as flu-like feelings, muscle cramps, and joint swelling that have plagued her for years.
Vermont Department of Health's Natalie Kwik advises people to stick to the middle of trails, wear long sleeves and pants, treat outdoor clothing with permethrin, check their bodies and pets for ticks after venturing outside, and remove ticks promptly if found. She also recommends showering after outdoor activities.
Tick populations have expanded due to climate change. The CDC expects annual cases of tick-borne diseases to continue growing. In the US, two tick species can spread Lyme disease: the blacklegged tick and Western blacklegged tick.
In Virginia, over 1,400 reports of Lyme disease were reported in 2022. Medical experts advise that unless a rash is present, it can be difficult to know if one has contracted Lyme disease. Early detection and treatment with antibiotics are crucial for effective recovery.
To prevent tick bites, experts recommend taking the following steps before venturing outside: wear long sleeves and pants, tuck pants into socks or shoes, use insect repellent spray on exposed skin and clothing, check clothes for ticks after returning indoors. If a tick is found attached to the body, it should be removed promptly using fine-tip tweezers.
Sources: Vermont Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
