Doctors issue warning over blood-sucking parasites as US hospitalizations double
Doctors are warning people to be on the lookout for a parasite that is becoming increasingly more prevalent across the US.
Cases of Lyme disease are on the rise across America, putting millions of hiking and outdoor enthusiasts at risk as temperatures heat up and people find themselves outside more.
One state in particular is experiencing a dramatic rise. New Jersey recorded more than double the number of Lyme disease cases in 2024 as it did in 2020 - 7,200 compared to 3,110.
And so far this year, the state health department has reported 1,517 cases of tick-borne illnesses and 349 tick-related emergency room visits from January 1 to May 8.
This is an increase from 288 hospital visits during the same time last year.
A person contracts Lyme disease from the bite of an infected black-legged tick, also called the deer tick, which is a common species in the Northeast and Midwest.
Lyme disease signs usually begin with the hallmark 'bullseye' rash that has red rings around the original bite site. If left untreated people may experience flu-like symptoms like a headache, muscle pains and aches and fatigue.
Severe untreated cases of Lyme disease can cause facial paralysis, vision changes and issues with memory and concentration.
The illness is easier to treat when caught early and doctors typically prescribe a 28-day regimen of antibiotics.
However, because of the non-specific symptoms of Lyme disease, many cases can go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years.
Generally, ticks must be attached to a person for at least 24 hours in order to transmit the infection.
Performing tick checks after possible exposure is vital to quickly identify if you've been bitten and to remove the parasite.
Deer ticks are common in northeastern and midwestern states, such as Connecticut, New York, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The CDC, which has Lyme disease data through 2023, shows New Jersey had the fourth-highest number of Lyme disease cases that year, falling behind New York, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.
It recorded 7,224 cases. New York saw 22,170 cases; Pennsylvania reported 16,670; and Massachusetts reported 9,715.
Overall, the US is seeing a record number of Lyme disease cases - recording 89,470 cases in 2023.
The disease area is also expanding.
Recent testing on human and tick samples suggests millions more Americans could be at risk because the tick that causes Lyme disease is spreading to new geographical areas.
Experts don't know exactly why the tick is traveling, but some posit it is due to development or climate change, and cases could be on the rise because of increased education and awareness surrounding ticks and Lyme disease.
To avoid Lyme disease, it is important to wear long sleeves and long pants to prevent ticks from being able to attach themselves to your skin and perform thorough tick checks after spending time in the outdoors.
You can also wear repellant and treat clothing with acaricides, special pesticides used to kill ticks and mites.
Ticks can also infect animals, so it is important to check pets for the parasites or signs of a bite and give them preventatives.
If you do find a tick, use tweezers to remove it and save it so it can be identified.
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