Ticks

What Are Tick-Borne Diseases?

Tick-borne diseases are infectious diseases spread by the bite of infected ticks. The most common in our region include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and anaplasmosis. These diseases can affect humans and animals and, if left untreated, can lead to serious health issues.

Common Ticks Found in New Jersey

New Jersey is home to several types of ticks, each with distinct behaviors and health risks. Awareness and correct identification can help in preventing tick-borne diseases.

1. Blacklegged Tick (Ixodes scapularis), also known as the Deer Tick

  • Appearance: Very small, the adult females are reddish beneath their shield; males are darker and smaller.
  • Habitat: Prefers wooded, brushy areas. Active during cooler months.
  • Risks: Known to transmit Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus disease.

2. American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis)

  • Appearance: Larger than the deer tick, brown with white spots or streaks on their backs.
  • Habitat: Grassy fields and brushy areas.
  • Risks: Can carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.

3. Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum)

  • Appearance: Identified by a distinctive white spot on the back of the adult female. Males do not have the spot but have streaks or spots.
  • Habitat: Prefers wooded areas and heavy underbrush, more aggressive in behavior.
  • Risks: Known to transmit ehrlichiosis, Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI), and the meat allergy known as alpha-gal syndrome.

4. Asian Long-horned Tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis)

  • Appearance: Small, reddish-brown, and typically smaller than other native species.
  • Habitat: Grass, shrubs, forests, and urban areas.
  • Risks: While it is a known carrier of livestock diseases in Asia, its role in transmitting diseases to humans in North America is still being researched.

How Are They Transmitted?

Ticks become infected by feeding on an animal carrying the bacteria or virus. When these infected ticks bite a human or another animal, they can transmit the disease. Ticks are most active during warmer months, from April to September.

Symptoms to Look Out For

Symptoms vary depending on the disease but often include:

  • Rash (often in a bull's-eye pattern for Lyme disease)
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle and joint aches

If you experience these symptoms and suspect a tick bite, consult a healthcare provider immediately.

Prevention Tips

Prevention is key in avoiding tick-borne diseases:

  • Avoid Tick Habitats: Stay clear of wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. Walk in the center of the trails.
  • Use Repellents: Use insect repellent registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
  • Wear Protective Clothing: Long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes can help keep ticks off your skin.
  • Check for Ticks: After being outdoors, check your clothing, body, and pets for ticks.
  • Shower Soon After Being Outdoors: Showering within two hours of coming indoors can reduce your risk of getting bitten by a tick.

What to Do If You Find a Tick?

  • Remove the tick as soon as possible: Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure.
  • Clean the bite area and your hands: Use rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.
  • Dispose of the tick: Submerse it in alcohol, place it in a sealed bag/container, wrap it tightly in tape, or flush it down the toilet. Avoid crushing the tick with your fingers.
  • Monitor your health: Watch for symptoms and consult a doctor if you feel unwell.

Resources and Further Information

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