14-05-2025
Not Just Lyme: Two other tick-borne illnesses quickly spreading in CNY
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — After a classic Central New York winter and a wet start to spring, most of us are eager to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.
But we're not the only ones. As temperatures rise, ticks become more active, and this year is no exception.
So, what is different? It's not just Lyme Disease you have to watch out for. Two other tick-borne illnesses are quickly spreading in Central New York, and there's a good chance you've never heard their names.
'Over the past four, five years is where I've started to notice a pretty drastic increase in Anaplasma,' Dr. Kris Paolino, an infectious disease specialist at Upstate University Hospital, said.
Dr. Paolino explained that Anaplasma can lead to severe health complications if not caught early.
'I've seen patients end up in the ICU. And every year, you hear about one or two cases that end in an unfortunate death,' Dr. Paolino said.
The data tells the same story.
In 2019, roughly 2% of the ticks tested at the Upstate Tick Testing Lab carried Anaplasma. In the first few months of 2025, that number jumped to 18%.
It's not just infected ticks, as more people are getting sick, too. Between 2016 and 2020, Dr. Paolino treated just two confirmed cases of Anaplasmosis. In 2024 alone, he had 19 confirmed cases. There's no bullseye rash here — with Anaplasmosis, he's on the lookout for other symptoms.
'Really high fevers, severe headaches, lab abnormalities like low white blood cells, or liver abnormalities,' Dr. Paolino said.
And there's another disease gaining ground in Central New York: Babesia, a parasite that can cause Babesiosis.
Both illnesses can be dangerous, especially for young children and older adults.
It's important to note that not all tick bites make you sick, but knowing what the tick is carrying can make a difference. NewsChannel 9's Rachel Polansky learned about it firsthand when she found a tick on her daughter's head.
The tick, which she later learned was an engorged female deer tick, had likely been on her daughter's scalp for two days, which is more than enough time to transmit disease.
Polansky brought it to the Upstate Tick Testing Lab. The next day, she got the results. The tick carried Anaplasma.
Once the pediatrician learned about the testing results, he started Polansky's daughter on a two-week course of antibiotics.
'If it is treated, it's not going to come back again,' said Dr. Saravanan Thangamni, who runs the Upstate Tick Testing Lab.
Dr. Thangamani and his team have tested more than 35,000 ticks since 2019. Over one-third of them carried at least one dangerous pathogen.
Based on the number of tick submissions this spring, he expects a very busy season ahead.
'Everybody wants to get out. It's the same thing with the ticks. As soon as the ground thaws, ticks come out looking for a host,' Dr. Thangamani added.
Thus, how can you protect yourself?
Don't let fear keep you indoors. But know the risks — and make tick checks a daily habit.
'We put a seat belt on every time we get in a car, or at least we should. It's a natural thing we do. We should be doing the same thing with tick checks in upstate New York,' Dr. Paolino added.
It cost Polansky $20 to get the tick tested. Fees range from $10 to $80, depending on where you live and what pathogens you are testing for.
Those in Onondaga County get a discount because of an agreement with the Onondaga County Health Department. Click here to read more about tick testing fees.
Insurance doesn't cover tick testing, but it gave Polansky answers, and it helped her daughter's doctor make a quick decision to put her on antibiotics.
You can mail ticks to the Upstate Tick Testing Lab or drop them off in person. Click here for more information.
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