2025 to be 'hot year for ticks' in U.S., experts warn
Ticks can be found across the contiguous United States, but several species thrive in the warm and humid climates of the central and eastern parts of the country from spring through fall. File Photo by Judy Gallagher
Meteorological summer got underway on Sunday, June 1, and with the rising temperatures comes a danger for outdoor enthusiasts across the country: ticks.
Ticks can be found across the contiguous United States, but several species thrive in the warm and humid climates of the central and eastern parts of the country from spring through fall.
This year is shaping up to be a "hot year for ticks," according to Thomas Hard of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
A tick bite can threaten the health of humans and pets alike in the form of Lyme disease.
"Early symptoms of Lyme disease, unfortunately [are] going to look a lot like the flu, so there'll be things like fever, fatigue, headaches and muscle aches," Hard said. A bull's eye-shaped rash may also appear on the skin around a tick bite, but not always.
In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) documented over 89,000 new cases of Lyme disease. If left untreated, the disease can have serious, long-lasting effects on health.
Ticks can also transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Colorado tick fever, tularemia, and anaplasmosis, as well as other ailments, according to the CDC. There is also evidence that a bite from a Lone star tick can trigger alpha-gal syndrome, which causes an allergy to red meat.
Experts recommend wearing long sleeves and pants tucked into socks when spending time in areas where ticks live, such as in the woods or around tall grass. It is also important to check your body for ticks after spending time outdoors. If you have been bitten by a tick and start to feel the symptoms of Lyme disease, experts recommend contacting your doctor.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
35 minutes ago
- Yahoo
State health officials urge kids, pregnant women to get COVID-19 vaccine despite federal pullback
Wisconsin's state health department still recommends the COVID-19 vaccine, despite discord at the federal level after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said it would no longer be recommended for children and pregnant women. "The recent changes in (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidance were not made based on new data, evidence or scientific or medical studies, nor was the guidance issued following normal processes," a June 4 news release from the state health department said. Kennedy, a vocal vaccine critic, announced May 27 in a video on X that the CDC would no longer recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women. He did not cite new evidence in doing so. CDC guidance published days later still recommended COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children if their parents and doctors agree, but said the vaccines are no longer recommended during pregnancy. Children can contract COVID-19 like any other person, but are less likely to become seriously ill from the virus than adults, though they can still spread it to more vulnerable individuals. Pregnant women, however, are more likely to become seriously ill, which can lead to preterm birth and other problems. Experts say vaccination during pregnancy can safeguard infants after birth because babies depend on maternal antibodies for early immunity. Federal vaccine recommendations matter not just because the public pays attention to them, but because it can affect which vaccines insurers decide to cover, said Patrick Remington, emeritus professor at UW-Madison's School of Medicine and Public Health. Given the recommendation from the state, Remington said he's hopeful companies that insure people in Wisconsin will continue covering the COVID-19 vaccine despite the change in federal recommendations. Wisconsin's Medicaid program will continue to cover the vaccine, according to the news release. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which sets recommendations for vaccines in the U.S., is not scheduled to meet until later in June. The group is discussing whether to narrow its recommendation about who should receive COVID-19 booster shots. There's room for healthy debate about the benefits and risks of the COVID-19 vaccine for certain groups of people, Remington said, because it's part of how science works. But he said that debate should take place among the members of the advisory committee, who are independent medical experts. For Kennedy to bring his personal beliefs about vaccines into his recommendations is unfortunate, Remington said. "When you see disagreement between the federal government's recommendations and what experts, like at (the state health department) say, sometimes the public throws up their hands and says, 'If they can't agree, I don't believe anything,'" he said. If someone is confused about the differing recommendations and wants advice on their particular situation, Remington suggested talking with a doctor, who'll be able to consider their personal circumstances when it comes to future doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Less than one in five Wisconsinites have received at least one dose of the most current COVID-19 vaccine, according to data from the state health department. Nearly half of those who have are adults 65 and older. More: COVID, conspiracy theories and a billboard campaign: Grace Schara's hospital death finally sees trial More: How were Milwaukee-area health departments using COVID-era grants cut by the Trump administration? Madeline Heim covers health and the environment for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at 920-996-7266 or mheim@ This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin health department still recommends COVID-19 vaccine
Time Business News
2 hours ago
- Time Business News
Top-Rated Tampa STD Testing Clinics You Can Trust
Looking for reliable Tampa STD testing? Explore top-rated clinics offering fast, private, and affordable services. Get tested with confidence today. Sexual health is an essential part of your overall well-being but for many, getting tested for STDs still feels intimidating. If you're in Tampa and looking for a private, fast, and professional experience, the good news is: you've got excellent options. This guide to Tampa STD testing will walk you through the top-rated clinics, what to expect, and how to take charge of your health confidently. Whether it's routine screening or you're experiencing symptoms, getting tested is smart, responsible, and easier than you think. Why STD Testing Matters (Even If You Feel Fine) Many STDs (like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HPV) show no symptoms at all especially in the early stages. That means someone can carry and pass an infection without even knowing. Routine testing is the only way to catch issues early, get treatment fast, and avoid complications like infertility, chronic pain, or passing it to a partner. To help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and catch infections early, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides clear guidelines on who should get tested and how often. These recommendations are based on years of research and public health data, aiming to protect not just individuals, but entire communities. The CDC recommends the following testing routine for sexually active individuals: Yearly testing for sexually active people under 25 More frequent testing if you have multiple partners or don't use protection consistently if you have multiple partners or don't use protection consistently Testing during pregnancy HIV testing at least once for everyone aged 13–64 In short: if you're sexually active, regular testing is part of being a responsible adult. What to Expect with Tampa STD Testing Getting tested for STDs used to feel awkward or time-consuming—but not anymore. Thanks to modern clinics and lab partnerships, STD testing is now more convenient, private, and accessible than ever before. Whether you're getting checked as part of a routine health check-up or have specific concerns, clinics today are designed to make the experience quick, judgment-free, and confidential. Most clinics in Tampa offer a wide range of services that make the process stress-free, including: Walk-in or same-day appointments Confidential testing Online results in 1–3 business days Affordable pricing or insurance billing Friendly, judgment-free staff Testing usually includes a urine sample, blood draw, or swab, depending on what you're being screened for. You'll be in and out in 15–30 minutes. Top-Rated Tampa STD Testing Clinics Tampa offers a variety of clinics for STD testing, but not all are created equal. If you're looking for a place that's trustworthy, efficient, and treats your health with the care it deserves, it's worth knowing which clinics have earned strong reputations from actual patients. We've researched and compiled a list of some of the most trusted, highly rated, and patient-reviewed STD testing options across Tampa so you can choose a clinic that fits your needs with confidence. Here are some of the top-rated choices in the city worth considering: 1. Tampa STD Testing – Request A Test Location: Multiple labs including Quest Diagnostics Multiple labs including Quest Diagnostics Highlights: Affordable pricing, no appointment needed, results in 1–2 days Affordable pricing, no appointment needed, results in 1–2 days Tests Offered: HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, hepatitis HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, hepatitis Why people like it: Fast, confidential, no doctor's referral required ✅ Great for those who want a low-cost, no-hassle testing experience 2. Planned Parenthood – Tampa Health Center Location: N 56th Street, Tampa N 56th Street, Tampa Highlights: Sliding scale fees, knowledgeable staff, LGBTQ+ friendly Sliding scale fees, knowledgeable staff, LGBTQ+ friendly Tests Offered: Full panel STD testing, including HPV and HIV Full panel STD testing, including HPV and HIV Why people like it: Professional, trusted nationwide provider ✅ Ideal for students, low-income individuals, or those seeking counseling 3. Any Lab Test Now – South Tampa Location: Henderson Blvd Henderson Blvd Highlights: Private pay, quick turnaround, appointment optional Private pay, quick turnaround, appointment optional Tests Offered: Individual or bundled STD tests Individual or bundled STD tests Why people like it: Fast in and out, excellent customer service ✅ Great for busy professionals who want quick results 4. Florida Department of Health – Hillsborough County Location: 1105 E. Kennedy Blvd 1105 E. Kennedy Blvd Highlights: Some free or low-cost services, community health programs Some services, community health programs Tests Offered: HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea Why people like it: Accessible care regardless of financial status ✅ Perfect for those without insurance or on a tight budget 5. CVS MinuteClinic (Various Locations) Location: Throughout Tampa Bay Throughout Tampa Bay Highlights: Convenient for mild symptoms or routine checks Convenient for mild symptoms or routine checks Tests Offered: HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, other basic screenings HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, other basic screenings Why people like it: Book online, weekend hours, insurance accepted ✅ Convenient option if you're already visiting for prescriptions or vaccines What to Bring to Your Appointment Valid ID Insurance card (if using insurance) Payment method for copay or full cost Any symptoms or questions you want to ask the provider A calm mind set remember, the staff is here to help, not judge How Much Does STD Testing Cost in Tampa? Prices vary depending on: Whether you're using insurance Which clinic you choose Whether you're testing for one STD or a full panel Here's a rough guide: Basic test (1–2 STDs): $50–$100 $50–$100 Full panel (5–10 tests): $150–$300 $150–$300 With insurance: Usually just a copay, or fully covered under preventive care Free or discounted testing is also available through community health centers and university clinics. When to Get Tested You should get tested if: You've had unprotected sex You or your partner have new or multiple partners You're starting a new relationship You're showing symptoms (burning, unusual discharge, rashes, etc.) You just want peace of mind For most STDs, it's best to wait 1–2 weeks after exposure for the most accurate results. Large FAQs (Instead of Conclusion) Yes, all reputable clinics in Tampa offer confidential or anonymous testing. Your results are private and protected under HIPAA. Absolutely. In fact, many people with STDs have no symptoms at all. That's why regular testing is so important. Most Tampa clinics deliver results in 1–3 business days, often through secure online portals or phone call. You'll be given clear treatment options, prescriptions if needed, and counseling if desired. Most STDs are treatable or manageable, especially when caught early. Some clinics offer walk-ins, but booking an appointment ensures faster service and less waiting especially on weekends. Many insurance plans cover STD testing under preventive care, especially for HIV and annual screenings. Always check with your provider. At-home kits can be convenient and private, but in-person testing is often more accurate, especially if you have symptoms. No fasting is required for most STD tests, unless advised otherwise by your provider. Yes. Clinics like the Florida Department of Health and some university centers offer free or low-cost STD testing, often with no insurance needed. Yes. You can bring a friend, partner, or family member for support. Clinics are usually very accommodating. Most tests are quick and painless. A small blood draw, urine sample, or simple swab is all it takes. If you're sexually active, experts recommend at least once a year, or more often if you have multiple partners or new sexual activity. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Scientific American
4 hours ago
- Scientific American
Inside the Collapse of the America's Overdose Prevention Program
At an addiction conference in Nashville, Tenn., in late April, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., spoke about his own experience with drug use. 'Addiction is a source of misery. It's also a symptom of misery,' he said. Kennedy's very personal speech, however, ignored recent federal budget cuts and staffing reductions that could undo national drug programs' recent progress in reversing overdoses and treating substance use. Several experts in the crowd, including Caleb Banta-Green, a research professor at the University of Washington, who studies addiction, furiously spoke up during Kennedy's speech. Banta-Green interrupted, shouting 'Believe science!' before being removed from the venue. (The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to a request for comment for this article.) 'I had to stand up and say something,' says Banta-Green, who has spent his career working with people who use drugs and was a senior science adviser at the Office of National Drug Control Policy during the Obama administration. 'The general public needs to understand what is being dismantled and the very real impact it's going to have on them and their loved ones.' On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. The Trump administration has defunded public health programs and made plans to consolidate or eliminate the systems that track their outcomes, making it difficult to monitor the deadly consequences of substance use, Banta-Green says. For instance, staff cuts to the Overdose Data to Action program and the Opioid Overdose Prevention and Surveillance program will hamper former tracking efforts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and at local and state health departments' prevention programs. A recently fired policy analyst at the overdose prevention division at the CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control— who wishes to remain anonymous, citing fear of retaliation—tells Scientific American that she used to provide policy support to teams at health departments in 49 states and shared public overdose data and information to Congress. She is a veteran who should have had protected employment status, but she lost her job during federal cuts in February. 'No one else is doing surveillance and data collection and prevention like the CDC was,' she says. 'There's so much that's been cut.' (When approached for an interview by Scientific American, a CDC spokesperson said, 'Honestly, the new administration has changed how things normally work' and did not make anyone available for questions.) What Gets Measured Gets Managed Provisional data suggest that deaths from drug use declined by almost 25 percent in 2024, though overdoses remain the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 44. Cuts to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health will make it difficult to measure similar statistics in the future. Because substance use is highly stigmatized, Banta-Green says it's important to have diverse, localized and timely data from multiple agencies to accurately capture the need for services—and the ways they're actually used. 'You can't design public health or policy responses if you don't know the scale of the need,' he says. Overdose trends vary by region—for example, usage of the synthetic opioid fentanyl appeared earlier on the East Coast than the West—so national averages can obscure critical local patterns. These regional differences can offer important insights into which interventions might be working, Banta-Green says. For instance, important medications such as naloxone rapidly reverse opioid overdoses in emergency situations. But getting people onto long-term medications, including methadone and buprenorphine, which reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, can more effectively prevent mortality in both the short and long term. Declining deaths may also mask tragic underlying dynamics. Successful interventions may not be the only cause of a drop in overdoses; it could also be that the people who are most vulnerable to overdose have recently perished and that there are simply fewer remaining at risk. 'It's like a forest fire burning itself out,' Banta-Green says. This underscores the need for the large-scale data collection threatened by the proposed budget and staff cuts at the CDC and National Institutes of Health, says Regina LaBelle, an addiction policy expert at Georgetown University. 'What [the administration is] doing is shortsighted' and doesn't appear to be based 'on the effectiveness or the outcomes of the programs that [it's] cutting,' she says. For example, despite promising to expand naloxone access, the Trump administration's latest budget proposal cuts funding for a critical program that distributes the lifesaving medication to first aid responders. 'A Chance at Redemption' When LaBelle was acting director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy during the Biden administration, she led efforts to expand evidence-based programs that provided clean syringes and tested users' drugs for harmful substances. These strategies are often referred to as 'harm reduction,' which LaBelle describes as 'a way you can meet people where they are and give them the services they need to keep them from dying.' José Martínez, a substance use counselor based in Buffalo, N.Y., says harm-reduction practices helped save his life. When Martínez got his first job as a peer advocate for people using drugs, he was still in a chaotic part of his own addiction and had been sleeping on the street and the subway—and regularly getting into fights—for a decade. The day after he was hired to help provide counseling on hepatitis C, he got into a New York City shelter. As his bruises healed, he learned life skills he was never taught at home. 'For a lot of people, drug use is a coping tool,' he says. 'The drug is rarely the problem. Drug use is really a symptom.' Working with others who understood that many people need help minimizing risks gave Martínez a chance to make progress toward recovery in a way that he says abstinence-only treatment programs couldn't. 'I don't agree that somebody should be sober in order for them to do things different,' he says. Over the past six years working for the National Harm Reduction Coalition, Martínez started a national support network for other peer program workers and community members—people who share their experiences and are a trusted source of education and support for others using drugs. 'There's never no time limit,' he says. 'Everybody works on their own pace.' Though Martínez's program doesn't take federal funding, the Trump administration is cutting similar kinds of peer programs. Martínez says doing this peer work gives many users a sense of purpose and stability—and helps them avoid previous behaviors. The proposed 2026 federal budget will slash the CDC's opioid surveillance programs by $30 million. It also creates a new subdivision called the Administration for a Healthy America that will consolidate the agency's prevention work, along with existing programs at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (SAMHSA), which often coordinates grants for treatment programs. The programs formerly conducted through SAMHSA are also facing cuts of more than $1 billion. Advocates fear this will include a shift toward funding abstinence-only priorities, which, Martínez says, 'will definitely mean that we're going to have more overdoses.' (Some research suggests abstinence-based treatment actually puts people at a higher risk of fatal overdose than those who receive no treatment at all.) 'The general public needs to understand what is being dismantled and the very real impact it's going to have on them and their loved ones.' —Caleb Banta-Green, addiction research professor These cuts could disproportionately affect communities already facing higher overdose rates: Martínez, who is Puerto Rican, notes that U.S. Black, Latino and Indigenous communities have experienced drug overdose death increases in recent years. In many states, overdose deaths in Black and brown communities remain high while white overdose death rates are declining. Looming cuts to Medicaid programs, LaBelle warns, are likely to worsen inequalities in health care access, which tends to make communities of color more vulnerable. In Kentucky, where Governor Andy Beshear recently celebrated a 30 percent decline in overdose deaths, Shreeta Waldon, executive director of the Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition, says the reality is more nuanced. While national overdose deaths declined in white populations from 2021 to 2023, for example, they continued to rise among people of color. Black and Latino communities often face barriers when accessing health services, many of which have been shaped by predominantly white institutions. Waldon says it's essential for people from diverse backgrounds to participate in policy decisions and necessary to ensure that opioid abatement funds —legal funds used toward treatment and prevention—are distributed fairly. Without adequate federal funding, Waldon predicts treatment programs in Kentucky will become backlogged—potentially pushing more people into crisis situations that lead to emergency services or incarceration rather than to recovery. These financial and political pressures are not only making it harder to find support for people in crisis; they also reduce opportunities to discuss community needs. Waldon says she knows some social workers who now avoid terms such as 'Black woman' or 'marginalized' in grants and public talks out of fear of losing funding. But people currently needing treatment for substance-use disorder are not necessarily aware of the federal funding news—or 'what's about to hit them when they try to go get treatment and they're hit with barriers,' Waldon says. 'That's way more important to me than trying to tailor the way I talk.' Funding and staffing cuts don't just limit resources for the people most in need. They limit the ability to understand where someone is coming from, which undermines efforts to provide meaningful care, Martínez says. Harm reduction is more than the services and physical tools given to community members, he says. It's about the approach. 'When you look at a whole person, you plant the seed of health and dignity,' he says. 'If everybody deserves a chance at redemption, then we've got to rethink how we're approaching things.'
