Lyme Disease on the Rise in Michigan: Understanding the Surge in Tick Populations
As cases of Lyme disease increase in Michigan, public health authorities emphasize the critical need for tick surveillance. With blacklegged ticks, often referred to as deer ticks, proliferating in the region, the risk of Lyme disease transmission to humans rises significantly, according to Andrew Cox, director of the Macomb County Health Department.
Rachel Burkholder, a vector-borne disease expert at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, notes a noticeable uptick in ticks appearing in residential gardens and backyards. This rise is attributed to the migratory behaviors of animals like deer, birds, and squirrels, which are common carriers of these ticks.
To tackle the growing concern of tick-borne diseases, Michigan’s state health department has launched a surveillance initiative. This project focuses on vector-borne diseases, those transmitted by living organisms, through a method known as tick dragging. This technique involves pulling a square-meter-sized cloth over areas like hiking trails and parks, capturing ticks that are then sent to the CDC for pathogen testing.
Blacklegged ticks are the main vectors of Lyme disease. Cox highlights the difficulty in detecting nymphal blacklegged ticks due to their minuscule size. “That’s a challenge for us in public health because they are really the size of a poppy seed,” Cox stated. “They can really blend in.”
Burkholder explains that Lyme disease transmission from tick to human usually requires between 24 to 36 hours after the tick attaches to a person. Consequently, the longer a tick remains unnoticed on an individual, the higher the chance of disease contraction.
Tick activity peaks from April to September, but Burkholder warns that adult blacklegged ticks may remain active whenever temperatures exceed freezing. “I still get citizen reports of ticks in December, January, February. So, it’s really important that people know that,” she stated, attributing this persistence to climate change effects.
Early signs of Lyme disease, within the first 30 days, include a distinctive bulls-eye rash, headaches, fatigue, muscle aches, and joint pain. Prompt treatment with antibiotics can effectively manage the disease. However, if left untreated, it can progress to severe symptoms, such as brain inflammation, heart issues, meningitis, and nerve damage.
To minimize tick exposure, the state health department advises using EPA-approved repellents, wearing light-colored clothing, staying on well-maintained trails, conducting regular tick checks, and showering after outdoor activities.
Residents are encouraged to identify tick species by submitting photographs to the state for testing. Additional guidance can be found on the MDHHS website.
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