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Black-legged ticks (ixodes scapularis), also known as deer ticks, are responsible for most of the tick borne illnesses on Long Island. They’re best known as the primary vector for Lyme disease but they also cause babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, bourbon virus disease, Powassan disease, borrelia diseases, and an emerging public health threat called anaplasmosis. Anaplasmosis is a…
When it comes to tick-borne threats, Lyme disease grabs most of the headlines. With up to 30,000 reported cases annually (and some high-profile sufferers), its symptoms and potential consequences are well known. But Lyme disease is only one of a handful of tick-borne diseases found on Long Island. These include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis,…
For Long Island residents, ticks are a part of life. Often found in wooded areas and tall grass, ticks present more than just a nuisance to you and your family, but potentially life-threatening illnesses. There are several tick-borne illnesses, the most common one being Lyme disease. Lyme disease causes fever, headache, and fatigue. If it…
The dangers of tick bites are well known to East End residents. If a tick bites you, you’re wise to be concerned about contracting a tick-borne illness. But does it matter what kind of tick has bitten you? A tick is a tick, and they’re all bad, right? Actually, no. While most ticks carry pathogens,…
First identified in rural Connecticut in 1975, Lyme disease has been the subject of conjecture and controversy for nearly half a century. Because many of its symptoms mimic other diseases, and research on its long-term effects is still ongoing, Lyme disease has many myths and misconceptions. Is Lyme Disease Incurable? Lyme disease is highly curable…
Sometimes, we believe that just because we weren’t aware of something previously, it must be new. Many people feel that way about Lyme disease. They believe that because the tick-borne disease has been well-publicized in the last few decades, that must be when it started. Unfortunately, that’s not true. Unlike the SARS virus and various…
In 2021, the United States approved the use of a vaccine called TICOVAC or TicoVac for tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). People in Europe have been using this vaccine effectively for more than 20 years. Is Tick-Borne Encephalitis in the U.S.? Tick-borne encephalitis is not endemic to the United States. There have only been six patients in…
While you are taking steps to protect yourself, your family, and your pets from ticks, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other state and local agencies are gathering data to help inform and protect the public. Those agencies ensure facts are accurate to drive public policy decisions regarding these disease-transmitting pests. What Is Tick…
While spring might not officially be here yet, it’s not too early to start checking for ticks. Conventional wisdom tells us that cold winter and lots of snow help kill off insects, including ticks. So it feels like we should be safe from the little critters as the snow melts and we start to see…
Autumn and winter are times for fall festivals and other outdoor events. From skiing, ice fishing, and other winter sports, it is a time of many outdoor entertainment options. Along with spending time outdoors comes the risk of exposure to ticks. But how bad is that risk? Do Ticks Die in the Winter? Some of…