Latest news with #GoudarzMolaei
Gizmodo
3 days ago
- Health
- Gizmodo
Travelers Are Unknowingly Smuggling Invasive Ticks Into the U.S.
Here's an important tip for international travelers coming back home: Be sure to check for any blood-sucking creepy-crawlies attached to you. In a study out today, health experts warn that exotic, potentially disease-carrying ticks are regularly entering the U.S. by hitching a ride onto returning Americans. Tick scientists in Connecticut conducted the research, published Friday in the journal iScience. They detailed seven separate cases of non-native ticks entering the state via travelers in recent years, some of which carried possible germs. These introductions are likely happening all across the country, not just Connecticut, and are a serious public health concern, the researchers say. 'Each one of these ticks could potentially pose substantial health risk to the travelers as well as to the country,' study author Goudarz Molaei, a scientist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station's Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, told Gizmodo. 'If any one of them ends up released into the environment unintentionally, there is a potential they could start establishing populations and expanding.' Hot Tick Summer Is Here. Here's What You Need to Know and How to Stay Safe As part of their job, Molaei and his colleagues help identify ticks brought to them by the public, particularly human-biting and disease-causing ticks. And while most of these cases are caused by native species, they've occasionally come across nonnative ticks, too. Ticks and the diseases they spread have become a growing issue in the U.S., thanks partly to a warmer climate. These same conditions might also make it easier for invasive species to gain a foothold here, so the researchers wanted to highlight some of the exotic cases they've documented over the years. They describe seven nonnative tick introductions into Connecticut between 2019 and 2023. The ticks originated from Central America, Africa, and Europe. Two of the ticks, both members of the species Amblyomma mixtum, carried the bacteria Rickettsia amblyommatis. R. amblyommatis is related to known tickborne germs, including those responsible for Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and it's suspected to possibly cause disease in people as well. Outside of its human impact, A. mixtum ticks are dangerous to livestock, too, capable of causing massive infestations and spreading other diseases. Some of the other ticks they identified, such as Ixodes ricinus, also carry human diseases in their native environment, such as Lyme-causing bacteria. And just this month, Molaei and his team helped out on a new case of a nonnative tick within the state. The person carrying the tick became sick, and their doctors were at first perplexed on how to even deal with the situation, according to Molaei. Fortunately, the team directed them to a lab that could perform the proper testing, and the patient ultimately recovered. Molaei notes that since Connecticut isn't a huge travel hub, it's likely the risk of nonnative tick introductions is higher in other areas of the U.S. There are many places in the country where these and other exotic ticks could make a new home if given the opportunity, he added. Many states are also much less equipped to even detect these potential cases, according to Molaei, further raising the odds of new species and diseases sneakily establishing themselves in the U.S. This isn't a hypothetical risk either—it's already happened. In 2017, researchers in New Jersey discovered the arrival of the Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) to the area. Despite efforts to curtail its presence, the tick has since spread to nearly half of the country and has become a serious threat to livestock (though they can carry and spread human diseases as well). It's unknown how the Asian longhorned tick found its way here, though it may have ridden along with a human or animal traveler. Woman's 'Severe' Hearing Loss Caused by a Tick Stuck in Her Ear The researchers argue that more resources are needed to surveil and mitigate these invasive tick threats. These efforts should include increased monitoring of agricultural goods being brought into the U.S., along with improved education on identifying potentially exotic ticks. People in general should also be more aware of how to prevent and detect tick bites, especially when they're traveling. 'Travelers should remain alert. And they have to realize that apart from themselves being at risk of contracting tick-borne diseases when they are traveling, there are the unintentional consequences of these things that are arriving here,' Molaei said. 'A proper tick check is of importance, particularly before people get on a plane. And they have to carefully inspect their luggage and their clothing before they get on board.' For their part, Molaei and his team will continue to keep a close eye out for ticks, both native and exotic, in their state.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Health officials issue urgent warning after discovering first case of deadly bacteria carried by tick in US: 'Raising public awareness … is critical'
Researchers in Connecticut have identified a dangerous pathogen carried by a rapidly spreading, invasive species of tick, Patch reported. The Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) is considered invasive in the United States, with initial sightings recorded in 2010, 2013, and 2017. Many tick species pose a risk to human health because of their efficacy in spreading disease, particularly bloodborne illnesses such as Lyme disease, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis. That third pathogen is the one found by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. According to NBC Connecticut, an Asian longhorned tick that tested positive for the bacterium responsible for ehrlichiosis "was found in Fairfield County sometime between 2021 and now." "This discovery highlights the growing threat posed by invasive ticks," CAES Passive Tick and Tick-Borne Disease Surveillance Program Director Goudarz Molaei said. "Raising public awareness of emerging tick-borne illnesses is critical to both human and veterinary health." Tickborne disease has been on the rise for decades. "As typically colder and drier climates become warmer and wetter, there has been an expansion of ticks in the northern hemisphere and at higher altitudes where they were previously unable to survive," a Pfizer advisory cautioned. Scientists say rising temperatures and volatile weather patterns are driving their incursions into new areas, as a study published in Scientific Reports in January evidenced. Because the Asian longhorned tick is a relative newcomer to the U.S., researchers are still working to determine the gravity of the risk it poses to both humans and animals. Researcher Risa Pesapane co-authored a paper about the species and its effect on livestock, citing the deaths of three head of cattle in Oklahoma in 2021. Do you worry about getting diseases from bug bites? Absolutely Only when I'm camping or hiking Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "To have been taken down by exsanguination by ticks, you can imagine that was tens of thousands of ticks on one animal," she explained. At first glance, the worrisome proliferation of disease-spreading ticks seems insurmountable — but there are ways to reduce your risk of tick encounters and tick-related illnesses. Chemical-free pest control methods are one way to avoid tick bites, and the Global Lyme Alliance recommends "products that use picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus" as effective deterrents on par with chemical pesticides. Surprisingly, rewilding your yard may be another way to reduce the risk of encountering ticks, according to the David Suzuki Foundation. "A growing body of ecological evidence … shows that replacing lawns with native plant gardens can disrupt tick-host interactions and reduce tick-borne disease risk, while also restoring biodiversity," the Foundation wrote. Pesapane urged a multifaceted strategy for tick mitigation. "For a variety of reasons, I tell people you cannot spray your way out of an Asian longhorned tick infestation — it will require an integrated approach," she explained. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
New York Post
30-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Potentially deadly bacteria found in invasive tick for first time in US
As outdoor activities begin to ramp up ahead of summer, Connecticut officials announced Tuesday that they confirmed the first US case of the invasive longhorned tick carrying Ehrlichia chaffeensis, a bacteria capable of causing a potentially deadly disease. Known as human monocytic ehrlichiosis, or HME, the disease initially causes symptoms such as sudden high fever, chills and fatigue a few weeks after an infection, according to officials with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES). Advertisement Symptoms may progress to include symptoms such as nausea, confusion and, ultimately, kidney failure and respiratory complications. HME is usually spread by the lone star tick, which is native to the US and found throughout most of the eastern, southeastern, and south-central parts of the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. However, the recent case of a tick carrying Ehrlichia chaffeensis, the bacteria behind HME, in Connecticut involved the longhorned tick, a tick species native to eastern Asia. With the rise of outdoor activities, Connecticut officials announced that they have the first confirmed US case of the invasive longhorned tick carrying Ehrlichia chaffeensis. shishiga – Advertisement This species' role in carrying the bacteria and spreading HME is significant because the invasive species is expected to spread throughout the eastern US, officials said. They noted that this is due to the animal's ability to reproduce without a male, along with its unrestrictive feeding. 'The first fully engorged human-parasitizing longhorned tick specimen was recorded by the CAES in 2018 from Fairfield, Connecticut, and the first populations of the tick were reported from this county in 2020,' said Dr. Goudarz Molaei, director of the CAES Passive Tick and Tick-Borne Disease Surveillance Program. Known as human monocytic ehrlichiosis, or HME, the disease can be potentially deadly, with symptoms such as high fever, chills and fatigue being present if affected by the tick. Mayo Clinic Advertisement 'Since then, populations of longhorned ticks have expanded into a number of towns in Fairfield and New Haven Counties. Additionally, individual tick specimens have been collected from New London and other counties.' Officials warned of the species' ability to expand their geographic range and their potential to transmit pathogens that could threaten the health of humans, pets and other animals. They noted that the longhorned tick has been found to transmit a variety of pathogens in the US, such as those that cause Lyme disease.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Potentially deadly bacteria found in invasive tick for first time in US
NEW HAVEN, Conn. – As outdoor activities begin to ramp up ahead of summer, Connecticut officials announced Tuesday that they confirmed the first U.S. case of the invasive longhorned tick carrying Ehrlichia chaffeensis, a bacteria capable of causing a potentially deadly disease. Known as human monocytic ehrlichiosis, or HME, the disease initially causes symptoms such as sudden high fever, chills and fatigue a few weeks after an infection, according to officials with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES). Symptoms may progress to include symptoms such as nausea, confusion and, ultimately, kidney failure and respiratory complications. HME is usually spread by the lone star tick, which is native to the U.s. and found throughout most of the eastern, southeastern, and south-central parts of the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. However, the recent case of a tick carrying Ehrlichia chaffeensis, the bacteria behind HME, in Connecticut involved the longhorned tick, a tick species native to eastern Asia. This species' role in carrying the bacteria and spreading HME is significant because the invasive species is expected to spread throughout the eastern U.S., officials said. They noted that this is due to the animal's ability to reproduce without a male, along with its unrestrictive feeding. "The first fully engorged human-parasitizing longhorned tick specimen was recorded by the CAES in 2018 from Fairfield, Connecticut, and the first populations of the tick were reported from this county in 2020," said Dr. Goudarz Molaei, director of the CAES Passive Tick and Tick-Borne Disease Surveillance Program. "Since then, populations of longhorned ticks have expanded into a number of towns in Fairfield and New Haven Counties. Additionally, individual tick specimens have been collected from New London and other counties." Officials warned of the species' ability to expand their geographic range and their potential to transmit pathogens that could threaten the health of humans, pets and other animals. How To Watch Fox Weather They noted that the longhorned tick has been found to transmit a variety of pathogens in the U.S., such as those that cause Lyme article source: Potentially deadly bacteria found in invasive tick for first time in US
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Emerging tick species in CT found to carry rare bacteria that can be deadly, officials say
An invasive tick species in Connecticut has been found to carry the bacteria that can cause ehrlichiosis in humans, a discovery that has alarmed state biologists as the tick continues to increase its spread throughout the state. Longhorned ticks, an emerging invasive species in the state, have now been found to carry the bacteria that causes ehrlichiosis. The bacteria, while rare in Connecticut, has been found in the state for a while, according to Dr. Goudarz Molaei, a state entomologist with the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station. Between 2001 and 2019, the number of cases of the bacteria increased from 142 to 2,093, a roughly 15-fold rise. Only two erlichiosis cases were recorded in Connecticut between 2008 and 2018, however, 28 cases were reported in the state between 2019 and 2023, according to CAES data. 'This is concerning because before we only saw this bacteria present in the lone star tick, this is the first case detected in the longhorned tick,' Molaei said. 'What is concerning about this is that the longhorned tick doesn't need a mate to reproduce. So it has the potential to spread quickly and we already are seeing that as its population increases.' Longhorned ticks primarily reproduce through a process called parthenogenesis, where females can lay viable eggs without mating to reproduce. This means a single female tick can create an entire population without a male partner, increasing the risks of rapid spread, Molaei said. 'This is very unusual and something we don't see too often,' Molaei said. 'So far this is the only tick in the United States that has this ability to reproduce without a mate. In other animals like arthropods and certain vertebrae, parthenogenesis has been reported, but it's still very rare.' Molaei said that a rise in ehrlichiosis cases is expected in the future. The bacterial infection can be a serious illness, though most cases are not fatal with prompt treatment. Untreated, it can lead to severe complications like organ damage, brain problems and even death. There is no vaccine available, but antibiotics are the traditional course of treatment, he said. The invasive ticks are not native to the United States and are considered an exotic species. They originally were found in tropical environments in Asia before being detected in the U.S. in 2017. Since its initial discovery, the longhorned tick has expanded into at least 21 states, primarily in the East and Northeast, as well as the District of Columbia, according to CAES. The species was first detected in Connecticut in 2018. In both its native and invasive range, the longhorned tick is known to transmit a wide variety of pathogens, Molaei said. Researchers have found evidence of infection in field-collected specimens in the U.S. with pathogens that cause Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Bourbon virus disease and theileriosis. However, it is still unknown if the tick can spread many of these disease agents. 'What is also unusual about this species is that we have shown this tick is capable of attaching and detaching with partial blood feeding,' Molaei said. 'Most ticks will stay on a host until they are fully engorged, so this increases the risks of disease transmission. Unfortunately these ticks co-exist with lone star ticks, and to make the matter worse, both of these ticks feed on white tail deer. Deer can act as a reservoir for the bacteria that causes ehrlichiosis. Longhorned ticks can pick up the bacteria after feeding on an infected deer.' The tick species is now found scattered throughout Fairfield and New Haven counties, according Molaei. However, their range is expected to increase its range further northward. Last year, the ticks were identified in Fairfield, New London, Middlesex and New Haven counties, according to data from CAES. 'As the climate changes, we expect to see this species further north into New England and Canada,' Molaei said. 'We are fortunate that. at least for the time being, the population is rather patchy in Fairfield and New Haven counties. It is not widespread yet, but eventually it will become more widespread, and that is where the concern increases.' Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@
