A region in West Virginia is experiencing “endemic levels” of Lyme disease. It’s a clear example of how warming global temperatures are transforming some regions into breeding grounds for diseases.<\/p>\n
What’s happening?<\/p>\n
Ohio County \u2014 which has a population of about 40,000<\/a> \u2014 is experiencing an alarming number of Lyme disease cases. As of mid-September, there were almost 300 reported cases. Health officials warn<\/a> the illness is now so widespread that cases are no longer investigated but simply recorded.<\/p>\n “It’s not if you’re going to get it, it’s when you’re going to get it,” Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department Administrator Howard Gamble told local news affiliate WTOV 9<\/a>.<\/p>\n Lyme disease<\/a> is a bacterial infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. It can cause fever, fatigue, joint pain, and a characteristic “bull’s-eye” rash. If left untreated, Lyme may lead to serious complications affecting the heart, joints, and nervous system.<\/p>\n Ohio County officials attribute<\/a> the surge to unstable environmental conditions and human proximity to animal habitats that support tick populations. And those factors can be directly tied to rising global temperatures.<\/p>\n Spring and summer are peak tick seasons \u2014 but health officials warn<\/a> cases are not expected to decrease significantly in the fall.<\/p>\n Why is this rise in Lyme cases important?<\/p>\n As Lyme disease cases climb, the rising number offers a warning that our warming planet is reshaping where and how diseases emerge.<\/p>\n The overheating of our planet \u2014 driven by the continuous use of dirty energy \u2014 creates ideal conditions for vector-borne illnesses like Lyme to thrive. Warmer temperatures throughout the year mean that ticks\u00a0 \u2014 particularly black-legged (or deer) ticks \u2014\u00a0 are active for a longer period. This makes it more likely that a person will contract the disease.<\/p>\n With warmer temperatures, ticks can also survive winters farther north and at higher elevations. They can expand into regions that were once too cold for their survival.<\/p>\n Rising temperatures and destructive deforestation impact the habitats of tick-carrying animals, like deer and mice, pushing them closer to humans. Together, these changes create more opportunities for ticks to spread \u2014 and for people to come into contact with them.<\/p>\n What’s being done about this rise in Lyme cases?<\/p>\n Ohio County officials told WTOV 9<\/a> that early detection and treatment remain critical in the treatment of Lyme. Delays can lead to severe complications affecting the heart and nervous system.<\/p>\n To prevent contracting Lyme, it’s important to avoid tick bites<\/a>. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends staying on cleared trails when hiking and using insect repellent when outdoors. After coming indoors, shower and check for ticks. Treating pets for Lyme is also key to their protection and yours.<\/p>\n If you do get bitten by a tick, the CDC recommends<\/a> using fine-tipped tweezers to grab the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull the insect upward to remove \u2014\u00a0but don’t twist! This can break the mouthparts off and leave them embedded, which is ripe for infection. After fully removing the tick, clean the site with rubbing alcohol, iodine, or soap and water.<\/p>\n In the days following, watch for a bull’s-eye rash<\/a> and flu-like symptoms. In more severe infections, stiff neck, joint swelling, or facial palsy may occur. If any symptoms develop<\/a>, contact your doctor immediately.<\/p>\n While short-term prevention is key, scientists are working on tools and technologies for early detection of Lyme and other tick-borne pathogens.<\/p>\n There is also ongoing research globally to develop a Lyme disease vaccine<\/a>. As that work continues, scientists are tracking climate and ecological changes<\/a> to better understand and plan for tick-borne disease risk.<\/p>\n Join our free newsletter<\/a> for good news<\/strong> and useful tips<\/strong>, and don’t miss this cool list<\/a> of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A region in West Virginia is experiencing “endemic levels” of Lyme disease. 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