Tick and Mosquito Related Illnesses Have Skyrocketed Over the Last 12 Years
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging people not to take this tick and mosquito season lightly. The agency released a new report that shows diseases transmitted through tick, mosquito, and flea bites are a “growing public health problem” in the United States.
The report says, that the number of illnesses related to ticks, and other blood-feeding insects, has more than tripled nationwide, since 2004. The most concerning illnesses in the U.S. are Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and Zika virus. Lyme disease alone accounted for more than 75% of all tick, mosquito, and flea infections.
The report also stated that tick related illnesses have been rising steadily, while mosquito-borne diseases tend to come in spurts. They usually hit the U.S. in waves or an epidemic. This is highlighted by the Zika outbreak in 2016. Overall, the number of mosquito-borne diseases rose from around 4,000 in 2004 to over 47,000 over the last 12 years. Zika accounted for over 40,000 of the infected in 2016, alone.
Why the Alarming Increase?
Experts cited in news reports across the country, are attributing the rise in tick and mosquito illnesses to several factors. For ticks, people are intruding more and more in their natural habitat, by moving into forested areas. Also, the rising temperatures caused by climate change are allowing ticks to migrate further north and extending the tick season.
The spread of mosquito-borne diseases, like West Nile and Zika, is being attributed to a more global society. Increased travel and trade means local mosquito populations can be introduced to a disease by a human. Then the illness can quickly spread among the population.
Also, more illnesses are being detected due to better lab testing procedures. People are also becoming better educated on ticks and mosquitoes in general and tend to report their symptoms more to doctors and clinics.
Prevention
The best way to fight the spread of tick and mosquito borne illnesses is prevention.
Ticks
Tick Prevention Program: Contacting professionals, that use people and pet safe methods to eliminate the ticks around your home and yard, is the best form of prevention.
Avoid Tick Areas: This includes places such as heavily wooded areas and high-grass crossings and fields.
Lawn Upkeep: Always keep your yard maintained to minimize the chances of infestation.
Daily Tick Checks: It’s good idea to check your children, pets, and yourself after coming in from the yard or a walk in the woods.
Mosquitos
Mosquito Prevention Program: Having your yard treated by a professional, using organic or synthetic methods, is the best form of mosquito prevention.
Use Repellent: Spray your clothes as well as skin and look for a product with 10% DEET.
Cover Your Skin: Cover your arms and legs with light colored clothing. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.
Clear Standing Water: Get rid of the standing water around your house, it’s a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
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