Anyone in tick-infested areas, including the five boroughs of New York City and Long Island, should be concerned about contracting Lyme disease, the most common tick-borne illness in the U.S. It’s especially prevalent in the upper midwestern, northeastern, and mid-Atlantic states. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bite of an infected tick, marked by a distinctive circular red rash resembling a bullseye. In New York, Lyme disease is the top tick-borne disease diagnosed, with anaplasmosis and babesiosis also present, though to a lesser extent.
Transmission of Lyme disease occurs when an infected tick finds a host, attaches itself, and bites, effectively passing the disease to the host. While avoiding areas with tall grass can help reduce exposure, the best prevention is to enlist professional pest control. The professional tick exterminators at Magic Exterminating offer valuable insights into managing Lyme disease and tick prevention strategies.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease can manifest with various symptoms that evolve over time. Some of the symptoms of Lyme disease include:
- Rash: A distinctive red rash (Erythema Migrans) that often resembles a bullseye or target, will appear at the site of the tick bite.
- Fever: A fever is often one of the early signs of being infected by Lyme disease.
- Headache: A persistent headache is a common symptom of Lyme disease, often occurring in the early stages of infection.
- Fatigue: Fatigue is a prevalent symptom of Lyme disease, often leaving individuals feeling extremely tired and lethargic, even with adequate rest.
- Muscle and Joint Aches: Muscle and joint aches are frequent symptoms of Lyme disease, causing significant discomfort and pain, particularly in large joints such as the knees.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes: Swollen lymph nodes are a common symptom of Lyme disease, often indicating the body’s response to the bacterial infection transmitted by the tick bite.
Without proper treatment, the infection may extend to the heart and nervous system, causing increasingly severe health problems, and potentially leading to long-term complications that require specialized medical care.
Why Lyme Disease Is on the Rise
Lyme disease cases typically surge each spring, but recent increases are linked to a rise in deer tick numbers. This uptick is influenced by warmer winters and higher deer populations, which provide ideal hosts for the ticks. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that deer ticks thrive in environments with high humidity, becoming most active when temperatures exceed 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Consequently, warmer temperatures are fostering larger tick populations.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of Lyme disease diagnoses in the U.S. rose to 62,551 in 2022. Over the past decade, the average number of annual infections was about 33,000. The CDC notes that Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness. This significant increase highlights the growing public health challenge posed by tick-borne diseases.
Lyme Disease in the Five Boroughs of New York City
Many residents of the five boroughs of New York City contract Lyme disease while visiting grassy, wooded areas in upstate New York, Long Island, and neighboring states. However, multiple tick species have been discovered in New York City, and some have tested positive for the germs causing Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. This reinforces the importance of taking preventive measures against ticks even within the city limits.
The CDC reports that early antibiotic treatment typically ensures a swift and complete recovery from Lyme disease. Patients treated in the later stages generally show positive responses to antibiotics, although some may suffer from persistent effects on their nervous system or joints. After finishing a two to four-week course of antibiotics, some people might still experience symptoms like fatigue, pain, or joint and muscle aches.
The Best Way to Prevent Lyme Disease
Wearing suitable clothing, steering clear of tall grass, and carrying a tick remover are useful preventative measures, but engaging tick control professionals is the most effective way to prevent ticks and Lyme disease. Ticks could be hiding around your home, waiting to attach to a host. Our experienced tick exterminators are prepared to remove ticks from your surroundings and help lower Lyme disease cases. Our certified professionals use the latest technology and methods to ensure your outdoor areas are protected and tick-free.
Reach out to Magic Exterminating today to receive a free service quote and initiate the process of protecting yourself and your loved ones from Lyme disease.
