So, tick season is apparently a thing in New England, and it looks like we’ve got some new tick species crashing the party up in Maine. A study from the University of Massachusetts Amherst found two types of ticks in Maine that could infect people with some pretty rare and potentially fatal diseases.
The New England Center of Excellence of Vector-borne Diseases, led by UMass Amherst microbiology professor Stephen Rich, has been on the lookout for these pesky critters. They’ve been scanning residential backyards in New England for the past three years to figure out how to better control ticks. And let me tell you, they’ve made some interesting discoveries.
During their survey in Maine, the researchers stumbled upon some rabbit ticks, which are not your typical tick around these parts. These little guys were carrying a rare microbe called Rickettsia, similar to one found in California that can cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Sounds pretty terrifying, right? The risk of humans getting infected is low, but it’s still something to keep an eye on.
But wait, there’s more! Another type of tick found in Maine doesn’t spread disease, but it can trigger an allergy to red meat. Yes, you read that right. Alpha-gal syndrome, as it’s called, has been popping up in areas where the Lone Star tick is usually found. However, this year, they found cases of this meat allergy in Maine, even though the Lone Star tick isn’t common there. Turns out, the black-legged tick might be to blame for this unusual allergy.
To avoid getting chomped on by these blood-sucking pests, the best defense is to treat your clothes with permethrin. This chemical can zap ticks and other creepy crawlies in no time. And if you do get bitten, make sure to remove the tick as soon as possible. The longer it stays attached, the higher the risk of getting sick. According to Rich, it takes about 48 hours for Lyme disease to enter your system, so time is of the essence.
It seems like these new discoveries are happening because the researchers are stepping up their surveillance game. With $10 million in funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they’re able to dig deeper and uncover these hidden tick secrets. And hey, who knows what else they might find in the future?
So, if you’re planning on spending time outdoors in tick-infested areas, make sure to protect yourself. These tiny creatures may seem harmless, but they can pack a nasty punch. Stay safe out there, folks, and watch out for those sneaky ticks!
