the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, as the warm weather arrives, it brings with it an increase in tick and mosquito activity, posing a greater risk for diseases such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus. In 2024, New Jersey has already seen nearly 700 people visit emergency rooms for tick bites, and this number is expected to rise as the summer progresses.
The Growing Threat
Each year, ticks and mosquitoes become more active in the warmer months, potentially spreading severe diseases. Lyme disease, which is transmitted by ticks, can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. According to the New Jersey Department of Health, a tick must be attached for more than 24 hours to transmit Lyme disease. Symptoms include a bullseye rash, fatigue, fever, headache, stiff neck, muscle aches, and joint pain. Without treatment, Lyme disease can cause arthritis and complications in the nervous system and heart.
Increasing ER Visits
The data so far this year indicates a concerning trend, with almost 700 ER visits due to tick bites. Last year, the total reached 1,709. Experts warn that this summer could be even worse. Laurie White, owner of Bite Back Tick & Mosquito Control, noted that the mild winter might have allowed more ticks to survive into the warmer months. “We are seeing quite a bit more than average,” White told NJ 101.5.
Expert Insights
Dr. Edward Lifshitz, medical director of the state health department’s Infectious and Zoonotic Disease Program, explained that while current-season weather may not increase tick populations immediately, it can extend their active period. “Deer ticks have a two-year life cycle, so current-season weather isn’t likely to result in an increase in tick populations active now, but a warm winter and spring may extend the period during which ticks are active,” he said. The number of ticks is influenced by various factors, including temperature, humidity, and the presence of wild animals they feed on.
Other Tick-Borne Diseases
In addition to Lyme disease, New Jersey residents should be aware of other tick-borne diseases such as Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Powassan virus, and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsioses, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Prevention Tips
To reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases, the New Jersey Department of Health recommends the following precautions:
- Avoid wooded areas with dense shrubs and leaf litter.
- Wear protective clothing.
- Use EPA-registered insect repellents.
- Perform regular tick checks.
- Keep lawns and shrubs trimmed.
Stay Informed
For more information on tick-borne diseases and prevention tips, visit the New Jersey Department of Health’s website.
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Get rid of the deer! They might look cute but they are full of trouble! Illness, destroying everything in it’s path, poop everywhere very unhealthy! Get rid and nuter the deer! If these environmental dopes want them give them the deer poop and all!