Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Why More Americans Are Landing In ERs Over Tick Bites This Year? Here's How To Check For Ticks

A worrying surge shows that emergency rooms across the United States are experiencing a stunning peak in visitation for tick bites, with July seeing record levels since 2017. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that close to 31 million Americans suffer from tick bites every year, and this summer saw a sharp increase, particularly in the Northeast. Experts are attributing this surge to environmental shifts, growing deer numbers, and more human presence within woodlands.

A variety of factors are driving the surge. Climate change is enabling ticks to survive more moderate winters, thereby prolonging their life cycle and geography. Urban encroachment into forested lands, along with increasing deer populations, offers ticks' ideal conditions for survival. The CDC says that the Fordham Tick Index, which monitors tick activity in southern New York, Connecticut, and northern New Jersey, is now at a "very high" risk level—9 out of 10.

Those under 10 and over 70 are experiencing the greatest rates of ER visits. Ticks are more than a nuisance; they carry life-threatening diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and others. Many symptoms, such as fatigue, fever, headache, and muscle pain, are common in other diseases, so early diagnosis is imperative.

Where once they were only found in rural or forest areas, ticks are now encroaching into urban and suburban settings. Parks, yards, and even city parks are showing themselves to be viable habitats. This has changed the image of where one would be likely to find ticks and added to the necessity of tick prevention techniques.

To reduce risk, the CDC recommends taking proactive steps:

<ul><li>Avoid tall grass and leaf cover.</li><li>Stay in the middle of hiking trails.</li><li>Use EPA-registered insect repellents with DEET or Picaridin.</li><li>Treat outdoor gear and clothing with permethrin.</li></ul>

Apply sunscreen, followed by insect repellent, if both are being used. Tumble-drying clothes for 10 minutes at high heat after being outdoors will also eliminate any hitchhiking ticks.

If you detect a tick on your body, get it off as quickly as possible. The CDC suggests using pointy tweezers to grab the tick close to the skin surface. Pull upward with slow, steady pressure—don't twist or jerk. If mouthparts are left behind, remove them using tweezers or allow the body to pass them out naturally during healing.

After removal, wash the bite area and your hands with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer. Dispose of the tick properly—by putting it in alcohol, sealing it inside a bag, taping it, or flushing it. Never squeeze a tick with your fingers.

When you have been outdoors—particularly in grassy, wooded, or brushy terrain—it's essential to do a complete tick check as soon as you come inside. Ticks are very small, sometimes no bigger than a sesame seed, and like to attach to warm, hidden spots on the body. It can help bites avoid developing into severe diseases such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Begin by inspecting your whole body using a full-length or hand-held mirror. Take special note of the areas that tend to be easily overlooked like underarms, around and in ears, inside the belly button, behind the knee, between the legs, around the waist, and particularly on and in the hairline and scalp. Ticks are attracted to warm, moist, and wrinkled spaces.

Shed clothing and inspect seams, cuffs, and waistbands—ticks can catch on clothing and move toward the skin. Dry worn clothes in a clothes dryer on high heat for a minimum of 10 minutes to kill any ticks that may still be alive.

Don't neglect your pets. Gradually run your fingers over them, particularly under collars, between toes, behind ears, and around the tail. Pets' ticks can be transferred to humans if picked up early.

If you have symptoms like a bullseye rash, fever, or weakness within weeks of a tick bite, get medical attention. These could be early symptoms of Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses. Physicians might prescribe antibiotics or order blood tests for further assessment.

As climate change intensifies and human contact with the natural environment increases, public health personnel can expect tick-borne diseases to become a more frequent component of seasonal health risks. Scientists are currently monitoring new tick species and novel diseases, so community education and healthcare readiness are critical.

The spike in ER visits for tick bites last summer isn't just a nuisance of the season—it's a warning sign. With tick populations growing and diseases increasing, prevention, early detection, and public awareness are our greatest prevention assets. Whether it's hiking a forest path or taking your dog for a stroll in the city, remaining tick-conscious could be vital to your health this year.

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A worrying surge shows that emergency rooms across the United States are experiencing a stunning peak in visitation for tick bites, with July seeing record levels since 2017. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that close to 31 million Americans suffer from tick bites every year, and this summer saw a sharp increase, particularly in the Northeast. Experts are attributing this surge to environmental shifts, growing deer numbers, and more human presence within woodlands.A variety of factors are driving the surge. Climate change is enabling ticks to survive more moderate winters, thereby prolonging their life cycle and geography. Urban encroachment into forested lands, along with increasing deer populations, offers ticks' ideal conditions for survival. The CDC says that the Fordham Tick Index, which monitors tick activity in southern New York, Connecticut, and northern New Jersey, is now at a "very high" risk level—9 out of 10.Those under 10 and over 70 are experiencing the greatest rates of ER visits. Ticks are more than a nuisance; they carry life-threatening diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and others. Many symptoms, such as fatigue, fever, headache, and muscle pain, are common in other diseases, so early diagnosis is imperative.Where once they were only found in rural or forest areas, ticks are now encroaching into urban and suburban settings. Parks, yards, and even city parks are showing themselves to be viable habitats. This has changed the image of where one would be likely to find ticks and added to the necessity of tick prevention techniques.How to Prevent A Tick Bite?To reduce risk, the CDC recommends taking proactive steps:Avoid tall grass and leaf cover.Stay in the middle of hiking trails.Use EPA-registered insect repellents with DEET or Picaridin.Treat outdoor gear and clothing with permethrin.Apply sunscreen, followed by insect repellent, if both are being used. Tumble-drying clothes for 10 minutes at high heat after being outdoors will also eliminate any hitchhiking ticks.What To Do After A Tick Bite?If you detect a tick on your body, get it off as quickly as possible. The CDC suggests using pointy tweezers to grab the tick close to the skin surface. Pull upward with slow, steady pressure—don't twist or jerk. If mouthparts are left behind, remove them using tweezers or allow the body to pass them out naturally during healing.After removal, wash the bite area and your hands with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer. Dispose of the tick properly—by putting it in alcohol, sealing it inside a bag, taping it, or flushing it. Never squeeze a tick with your fingers.How to Check for Ticks?When you have been outdoors—particularly in grassy, wooded, or brushy terrain—it's essential to do a complete tick check as soon as you come inside. Ticks are very small, sometimes no bigger than a sesame seed, and like to attach to warm, hidden spots on the body. It can help bites avoid developing into severe diseases such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.Begin by inspecting your whole body using a full-length or hand-held mirror. Take special note of the areas that tend to be easily overlooked like underarms, around and in ears, inside the belly button, behind the knee, between the legs, around the waist, and particularly on and in the hairline and scalp. Ticks are attracted to warm, moist, and wrinkled spaces.Shed clothing and inspect seams, cuffs, and waistbands—ticks can catch on clothing and move toward the skin. Dry worn clothes in a clothes dryer on high heat for a minimum of 10 minutes to kill any ticks that may still be alive.Don't neglect your pets. Gradually run your fingers over them, particularly under collars, between toes, behind ears, and around the tail. Pets' ticks can be transferred to humans if picked up early.When to Seek Medical Help?If you have symptoms like a bullseye rash, fever, or weakness within weeks of a tick bite, get medical attention. These could be early symptoms of Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses. Physicians might prescribe antibiotics or order blood tests for further assessment.As climate change intensifies and human contact with the natural environment increases, public health personnel can expect tick-borne diseases to become a more frequent component of seasonal health risks. Scientists are currently monitoring new tick species and novel diseases, so community education and healthcare readiness are critical.The spike in ER visits for tick bites last summer isn't just a nuisance of the season—it's a warning sign. With tick populations growing and diseases increasing, prevention, early detection, and public awareness are our greatest prevention assets. Whether it's hiking a forest path or taking your dog for a stroll in the city, remaining tick-conscious could be vital to your health this year.

why more americans are landing in ers over tick bites this year? here's how to check for ticks

Ishita Roy

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Ontario is currently facing an outbreak of <span>canine parvovirus</span> (CPV), which has led to spikes in online searches on more information on the dog disease. 

Expert Tracy Fisher, a veterinarian from Regina and the president-elect of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, told CTVNews.ca that the frequency of cases varies every year. The expert has also commented that the prominence of CPV in Canada is common and persistent. The outbreak had made headlines earlier this summer in London too. 

PetMD notes that CPV is the most serious virus that dogs and puppies can get. However, the silver lining here is that it is preventable with proper vaccination, though it is still widely prevalent, especially in puppies and poorly vaccinated adolescent dogs. 

DVM Ellen Malmanger writes that CPV is an infectious DNA virus that commonly causes severe illness in young and unvaccinated dogs. It also affects the body's rapidly dividing cells. This means the intestinal tract and bone marrow are usually the most affected. 

As per the Veterinary Centers of America (VCA)'s Canadian division, CPV first appeared in dogs in 1978. “The virus that causes this disease is similar to feline panleukopenia (feline distemper); the two diseases are almost identical,” the website for VCA Canada, a network of animal hospitals, says. “However, that has never been scientifically proven.”

VCA Canada notes that primary source of infection is through the ingestion of the feces of already-infected dogs. It can be easily transmitted through contact with the hair or feet of infected dogs or with objects contaminated by the infected feces. 

According to VCA Canada, the virus initially targets the animal's tonsils or lymph nodes, where it infects lymphocytes—a type of white blood cell. These infected cells then spread the virus throughout the body, reaching areas such as the bone marrow and the intestinal lining.

Humans cannot get parvo from dogs. Parvovirus is species-specific and so the strain that affects dogs, known as CPV cannot infect humans. However, humans can contact similar virus from contaminated surfaces, such as Norovirus, but there is no risk of acquiring parvo from dogs. 

The human parvovirus is different, and is caused by the B19 strain. It was first discovered in 1974 during evaluation and testing for hepatitis B, and was later named by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses in 1985. 

Parvovirus B19 is a common and often overlooked infection that spreads from person to person. While it’s not widely talked about, it’s more widespread than most people think — in fact, nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have had it at some point in their lives.

What makes it tricky to spot is that most people don’t even realize they’ve been infected. The virus rarely causes symptoms, and when it does, they tend to be mild. It’s usually only people with weakened immune systems — where the body’s natural defense isn’t working as it should — who may experience more noticeable effects. That’s because parvovirus B19 can temporarily interfere with the body’s ability to make red blood cells.

Anyone can catch the virus, regardless of age or ethnicity. But those most at risk include individuals with immune system issues or conditions that affect red blood cell production. Children are also more likely to get infected, but in most cases, they don’t show any symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they’re generally mild and manageable.

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Ontario is currently facing an outbreak of canine parvovirus (CPV), which has led to spikes in online searches on more information on the dog disease. Expert Tracy Fisher, a veterinarian from Regina and the president-elect of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, told CTVNews.ca that the frequency of cases varies every year. The expert has also commented that the prominence of CPV in Canada is common and persistent. The outbreak had made headlines earlier this summer in London too. What is Canine Parvovirus?PetMD notes that CPV is the most serious virus that dogs and puppies can get. However, the silver lining here is that it is preventable with proper vaccination, though it is still widely prevalent, especially in puppies and poorly vaccinated adolescent dogs. DVM Ellen Malmanger writes that CPV is an infectious DNA virus that commonly causes severe illness in young and unvaccinated dogs. It also affects the body's rapidly dividing cells. This means the intestinal tract and bone marrow are usually the most affected. As per the Veterinary Centers of America (VCA)'s Canadian division, CPV first appeared in dogs in 1978. “The virus that causes this disease is similar to feline panleukopenia (feline distemper); the two diseases are almost identical,” the website for VCA Canada, a network of animal hospitals, says. “However, that has never been scientifically proven.”VCA Canada notes that primary source of infection is through the ingestion of the feces of already-infected dogs. It can be easily transmitted through contact with the hair or feet of infected dogs or with objects contaminated by the infected feces. According to VCA Canada, the virus initially targets the animal's tonsils or lymph nodes, where it infects lymphocytes—a type of white blood cell. These infected cells then spread the virus throughout the body, reaching areas such as the bone marrow and the intestinal lining.Can You Touch A Dog With Parvo?Humans cannot get parvo from dogs. Parvovirus is species-specific and so the strain that affects dogs, known as CPV cannot infect humans. However, humans can contact similar virus from contaminated surfaces, such as Norovirus, but there is no risk of acquiring parvo from dogs. What Is Human Parvovirus?The human parvovirus is different, and is caused by the B19 strain. It was first discovered in 1974 during evaluation and testing for hepatitis B, and was later named by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses in 1985. Parvovirus B19 is a common and often overlooked infection that spreads from person to person. While it’s not widely talked about, it’s more widespread than most people think — in fact, nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have had it at some point in their lives.What makes it tricky to spot is that most people don’t even realize they’ve been infected. The virus rarely causes symptoms, and when it does, they tend to be mild. It’s usually only people with weakened immune systems — where the body’s natural defense isn’t working as it should — who may experience more noticeable effects. That’s because parvovirus B19 can temporarily interfere with the body’s ability to make red blood cells.Anyone can catch the virus, regardless of age or ethnicity. But those most at risk include individuals with immune system issues or conditions that affect red blood cell production. Children are also more likely to get infected, but in most cases, they don’t show any symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they’re generally mild and manageable.

canine parvovirus outbreak among pet dogs in ontario, can humans also get infected?

Aarushi Bhadury

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London is currently dealing with a serious lung sickness called <span>Legionnaires</span>' disease. So far, one person has died, and more than 40 people have gotten sick in just the past week. The Middlesex-London Health Unit has announced this as an outbreak. 

The Health Unit UK is working closely with provincial health groups to find out where this sickness started. This involves taking samples from different cooling systems, which can take some time. Officials know people are eager to find the source, and they are too, but they don't have an exact location yet. Teams are busy collecting water samples and swabs from cooling systems. They'll then compare these to samples from the sick people, hoping to find a common source. 

Normally, only a few cases of Legionella, the bacteria that causes the disease, are reported each month. However, the number suddenly jumped to 43 new cases, which is why the outbreak was declared. Health officials think the recent warm weather probably played a role in this increase, as the number of cases was much higher than what they usually see at this time of year. 

The National Health Services UK explains that Legionnaires' disease is caused by tiny bugs called <span>Legionella bacteria</span>. These bugs are naturally found in water sources like hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large pipes, and parts of air conditioning systems. 

It's important to understand that this sickness does not spread from person to person. People get sick when they breathe in tiny drops of water or mist that contain these bacteria. Most people who are exposed to the bacteria don't get sick, but some might get a milder, flu-like illness called Pontiac fever. 

Legionella bacteria are naturally found in water sources like hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, and parts of air-conditioning systems. People get sick if these bacteria become airborne as mist (from wind or fans) and are then inhaled. 

Most people exposed to Legionella don't get sick, though some might get a milder, flu-like illness called Pontiac Fever, which usually goes away on its own. People who are older, have lung problems, or have weaker immune systems are at a higher risk of getting a serious infection. It's important to remember that Legionella does not spread from person to person. 

<h2>Important Health Guidelines to Follow </h2>

If you develop symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath, you should seek medical attention right away. 

The Health Unit asks all business owners and property managers to make sure their cooling equipment is regularly maintained and cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions. This is the best way to prevent future outbreaks. The Middlesex-London Health Unit also listed some commonly asked questions regarding the disease, 

While face masks can reduce your risk of getting respiratory illnesses, including Legionella, the general public's risk for Legionnaires' disease is currently low. Because of this, the Health Unit is not recommending widespread community masks to use specifically to prevent this disease. 

Legionella bacteria can spread over a large area through the air. The exact source of this current outbreak hasn't been found yet. At this time, it's not known if this outbreak is from the same location as last year's Legionella outbreak. However, this possibility is being considered as part of the ongoing investigation. 

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Legionnaires Outbreak

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how to deal with legionnaires Outbreak

London is currently dealing with a serious lung sickness called Legionnaires' disease. So far, one person has died, and more than 40 people have gotten sick in just the past week. The Middlesex-London Health Unit has announced this as an outbreak. The Health Unit UK is working closely with provincial health groups to find out where this sickness started. This involves taking samples from different cooling systems, which can take some time. Officials know people are eager to find the source, and they are too, but they don't have an exact location yet. Teams are busy collecting water samples and swabs from cooling systems. They'll then compare these to samples from the sick people, hoping to find a common source. Normally, only a few cases of Legionella, the bacteria that causes the disease, are reported each month. However, the number suddenly jumped to 43 new cases, which is why the outbreak was declared. Health officials think the recent warm weather probably played a role in this increase, as the number of cases was much higher than what they usually see at this time of year. What is Legionnaires' Disease? The National Health Services UK explains that Legionnaires' disease is caused by tiny bugs called Legionella bacteria. These bugs are naturally found in water sources like hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large pipes, and parts of air conditioning systems. It's important to understand that this sickness does not spread from person to person. People get sick when they breathe in tiny drops of water or mist that contain these bacteria. Most people who are exposed to the bacteria don't get sick, but some might get a milder, flu-like illness called Pontiac fever. Where Is This Bacteria Found? Legionella bacteria are naturally found in water sources like hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, and parts of air-conditioning systems. People get sick if these bacteria become airborne as mist (from wind or fans) and are then inhaled. Most people exposed to Legionella don't get sick, though some might get a milder, flu-like illness called Pontiac Fever, which usually goes away on its own. People who are older, have lung problems, or have weaker immune systems are at a higher risk of getting a serious infection. It's important to remember that Legionella does not spread from person to person. Important Health Guidelines to Follow If you develop symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath, you should seek medical attention right away. The Health Unit asks all business owners and property managers to make sure their cooling equipment is regularly maintained and cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions. This is the best way to prevent future outbreaks. The Middlesex-London Health Unit also listed some commonly asked questions regarding the disease, Will Masks Help? While face masks can reduce your risk of getting respiratory illnesses, including Legionella, the general public's risk for Legionnaires' disease is currently low. Because of this, the Health Unit is not recommending widespread community masks to use specifically to prevent this disease. Legionella bacteria can spread over a large area through the air. The exact source of this current outbreak hasn't been found yet. At this time, it's not known if this outbreak is from the same location as last year's Legionella outbreak. However, this possibility is being considered as part of the ongoing investigation. 

1 dead and 40 sick with legionnaires outbreak in london– what you need to know

Weld County officials announced on July 7 that mosquito samples collected from two of the county’s three designated trap zones have tested positive for <span>West Nile Virus</span> (WNV). The affected areas include Greeley, Evans, Kersey, and LaSalle (Zone One), as well as Johnstown, Milliken, and Platteville (Zone Two).

Mosquitoes from the third trap zone—covering Firestone, Dacono, and Fort Lupton—tested negative for the <span>virus</span>.

Though no human cases have been reported in the county so far this year, health officials are warning residents to be prepared. With the arrival of hotter temperatures in July and August, Culex mosquitoes—the primary carriers of WNV—become more active and more numerous.

<h4>“A Permanent Summer Presence”</h4>

Jason Chessher, Executive Director of the Weld County Health Department, emphasized the seasonal nature of the virus. “The increasing hot weather often leads to favorable conditions for the Culex mosquito that carries West Nile Virus,” he said. “The public needs to be vigilant, because West Nile Virus has a permanent summer presence in Colorado.”

Most people infected with WNV do not show symptoms, but those who do may begin to feel unwell three to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and sometimes a rash.

While these symptoms may resemble the flu, WNV can lead to more serious complications in some cases, particularly among older adults and those with weakened immune systems. There is currently no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for WNV, which makes prevention especially important. Weld County health authorities recommend seeking medical care promptly if any symptoms arise.

Health experts advise residents to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and virus transmission. These include:

<ul><li>Eliminate standing water around your home, such as in birdbaths, flower pots, gutters, or pet bowls, as these are prime mosquito breeding grounds.</li></ul>

<ul><li>Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, or para-menthane-diol.</li></ul>

<ul><li>Avoid outdoor activity during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.</li></ul>

<ul><li>Wear protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts and pants if you are outside during these peak hours.</li></ul>

Colorado saw a significant spike in WNV cases in 2023, recording 631 infections, 398 hospitalizations, and 51 deaths—the highest in the country that year. In contrast, 2024 has been comparatively mild, with just 76 reported cases statewide, 24 hospitalizations, and no fatalities to date.

Still, with Culex mosquito populations on the rise, officials say it’s crucial not to let your guard down. Weld County will continue monitoring mosquito activity closely and urges the community to follow safety guidelines to help prevent the spread of West Nile Virus this summer.

west nile virus

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colorado west nile virus

Weld County officials announced on July 7 that mosquito samples collected from two of the county’s three designated trap zones have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The affected areas include Greeley, Evans, Kersey, and LaSalle (Zone One), as well as Johnstown, Milliken, and Platteville (Zone Two).Mosquitoes from the third trap zone—covering Firestone, Dacono, and Fort Lupton—tested negative for the virus.Though no human cases have been reported in the county so far this year, health officials are warning residents to be prepared. With the arrival of hotter temperatures in July and August, Culex mosquitoes—the primary carriers of WNV—become more active and more numerous.“A Permanent Summer Presence”Jason Chessher, Executive Director of the Weld County Health Department, emphasized the seasonal nature of the virus. “The increasing hot weather often leads to favorable conditions for the Culex mosquito that carries West Nile Virus,” he said. “The public needs to be vigilant, because West Nile Virus has a permanent summer presence in Colorado.”What Are The Risks?Most people infected with WNV do not show symptoms, but those who do may begin to feel unwell three to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and sometimes a rash.While these symptoms may resemble the flu, WNV can lead to more serious complications in some cases, particularly among older adults and those with weakened immune systems. There is currently no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for WNV, which makes prevention especially important. Weld County health authorities recommend seeking medical care promptly if any symptoms arise.Steps to Stay SafeHealth experts advise residents to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and virus transmission. These include:Eliminate standing water around your home, such as in birdbaths, flower pots, gutters, or pet bowls, as these are prime mosquito breeding grounds.Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, or para-menthane-diol.Avoid outdoor activity during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.Wear protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts and pants if you are outside during these peak hours.Cases In The Past and PresentColorado saw a significant spike in WNV cases in 2023, recording 631 infections, 398 hospitalizations, and 51 deaths—the highest in the country that year. In contrast, 2024 has been comparatively mild, with just 76 reported cases statewide, 24 hospitalizations, and no fatalities to date.Still, with Culex mosquito populations on the rise, officials say it’s crucial not to let your guard down. Weld County will continue monitoring mosquito activity closely and urges the community to follow safety guidelines to help prevent the spread of West Nile Virus this summer.

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Why More Americans Are Landing In ERs Over Tick Bites This Year? Here's How To Check For Ticks

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Canine Parvovirus Outbreak Among Pet Dogs In Ontario, Can Humans Also Get Infected?

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