New Concerns About Tick – Borne Diseases

We all know about the dangers of ticks. Until now we’ve been concerned with flea and tick prevention mainly to avoid Lyme Disease which can be devastating to humans and animals.  Now, a Boston ABC affiliate has reported that there are new concerns in Massachusetts about a rise in tick-borne illnesses. Our wet spring weather coupled with the increased deer population equals a bad tick season.

The two diseases mentioned are Babesiosis and Anaplasmosis. Also referred to as HGA, the diseases are carried and spread by deer ticks the same way Lyme Disease is.  Dr. Michael Lew of  Newton Wellesley Hospital is quoted as saying while usually less common than Lyme Disease, this year in MA cases of Babesiosis  are up 53 percent and Anaplasmosis cases are up 49 percent. The report indicates there have been more cases of the two usually less common diseases seen at Newton – Wellesley Hospital than Lyme Disease.  The two diseases are reported to be dangerous if not caught early and that both can have flu like symptoms but not the rash typical of Lyme Disease.  Dr. Lew is reported to explain that Anaplasmosis can be life-threatening without immediate medical care.  Symptoms usually come on suddenly, within a week or two of being bitten by a tick. Babesiosis is a little more tricky, with very mild symptoms or sometimes none at all.  The report also suggests that if you have flu like symptoms and are not improving to see your doctor and mention these two diseases. If you are in an area with similar weather conditions and know there are deer ticks, please read the full article at http://www.thebostonchannel.com/health/28518411/detail.html#ixzz1RuSu7GI2

Ticks have become a real problem and as much of a pain in the neck  it can be to check you and your pet daily, it’s more of a pain – literally- if you or your pet suffer from a disease spread by ticks.  Remember that ticks are a threat until well into a hard frost.  Enjoy your summer!