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Tiny Terror: Tick Bites Reach 10-Year High
14 Jun
Summary
- Emergency department visits for tick bites are at a decade-long peak.
- Lone star ticks can transmit diseases causing meat allergies and bobcat fever.
- Tick-borne illnesses in pets may show symptoms days or months later.
Emergency department visits related to tick bites have surged to levels not seen in a decade, signaling a significant increase in tick activity this year. These arachnids are vectors for serious health issues, including Lyme disease, uncommon viruses, and a peculiar condition that can induce an allergy to red meat and other animal products.
The lone star tick is a notable culprit, responsible for the meat allergy in humans and also linked to a disease known as 'bobcat fever' in felines. While cats are largely resistant to Lyme disease, both dogs and cats can contract it, and they can inadvertently carry ticks into homes, posing a risk to human inhabitants.
Veterinary experts advise a thorough tick check on pets that venture outdoors, focusing on key areas such as ears, eyelids, tail, and between limbs. Prompt removal and disposal of any found ticks are recommended. Owners should monitor their pets for behavioral or appetite changes, as well as fever, which can indicate tick-borne illnesses, though symptoms may take days or months to manifest.
