CDC Warns of Record Tick Bites: Information for Alabamians

The summer season is in full swing, and that comes with a wide range of outdoor activities. Along with the joys of summer, it also comes with its fair share of hot and humid weather conditions.

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Another summertime threat is ticks, which are arachnids. Alabama’s warm and humid climate lends to tick activity year-round. However, the rise in bites occurs during the warmer months between April and September.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this year the number of tick bites has been the worst since 2019.

In addition, the CDC reports that this July, tick bites are driving more people to the emergency room than in summer since 2017.

Yikes!

“Experts warn that thanks to shifting weather patterns and rising urban infestations, even city parks and sidewalks might not be safe from these disease-carrying pests,” said The Weather Channel.

Why You Should Be Concerned About Tick Bites

Ticks spread pathogens that cause disease while they feed. When they find their feeding spot, they grasp the skin and cut into the surface.

Once a tick has inserted its feeding tube, its barbs and cement-like substance keep them in place. That’s why it’s difficult for you to remove them.

Then the tick feeds for a short period, from a few minutes to days.

Diseases Transmitted by Ticks

“In the United States, some ticks carry pathogens that can cause human disease”, said the CDC. Here are the examples:

• Anaplasmosis
• Babesiosis
• Bourbon virus
• Colorado tick fever
• Ehrlichiosis
• Hard tick relapsing fever
• Heartland virus
• Lyme disease
• Powassan virus
• Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Soft tick relapsing fever
• STARI
• Tularemia
• 364D rickettsiosis

Old Wives’ Tale Tip to Identify a Tick vs. a Bed Bug

The legs of a tick tend to stick out, while the legs of a bed bug are more curved towards its body.