Getting ready for a ticky season
As if it weren’t enough to worry about a president who tweets when he should be reading briefing papers, or whether North Korea has nukes ready to hit U.S. targets or if the Russians really did fix our presidential election. No, if that weren’t enough, try this worry for size. Expect the worst tick season in years. That’s right, ticks are on the uptick. Scientists are predicting 2017 will be bursting with ticks, causing a jump in tick-borne illnesses and creating more threats to pets. An abundance of white-footed mice, which transmit illnesses to ticks, were spotted last year. Researchers Rick Ostfeld and Felicia Keesing told NPR earlier this year that counting mice one year can predict the number of Lyme disease cases the following year. Mice, after all, infect up to 95 percent of ticks that feed on them with the diseases they carry — and one mouse might have as many as 50 to 100 ticks covering its ears and face, according to researchers. The couple are expecting an epidemic of tick-borne illnesses in 2017.
In New Mexico, according to the state Department of Health website, ticks are most active from April to September. During those months (when so many New Mexicans are outdoors and active) it’s a good idea to take preventive steps.
Those include the simple: Walk in the center of trails and avoid wooded and bushy areas with lots of grass and loose leaves. Where you know ticks are prevalent, use repellents on exposed skin and clothing. The Centers for Disease Control recommends repellent with 20 percent or more DEET, picardidin or IR3535 on exposed skin. Bathe or shower as soon as possible after leaving the outdoors and actively look for ticks — including examining children, pets and gear in case any of the critters climbed aboard. Check your body for ticks, paying close attention to the area behind the ears, the scalp, armpits and the groin area. Clothes can be tumble-dryed on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing once you’re back indoors.
Dogs, the most common household pet in New Mexico, are susceptible to tick bites and diseases that result. Use tick repellent, and check pets for ticks daily. Remove ticks immediately once you spot them. It’s a good idea, too, to discuss ticks with your dog’s veterinarian at regular checkups. The vet will have advice and suggestions to keep pets safe.
Every year in New Mexico, according to the Department of Health, there are a few cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and, occasionally, relapsing fever and Colorado tick fever. Lyme disease, most prevalent in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Atlantic, also can be found here. The condition causes such symptoms as a rash, facial paralysis and swollen knees. It’s hard to detect and can progress to serious complications, including memory problems and chronic arthritis. It’s a serious disease with lifelong consequences.
The best way to prevent complications, of course, is to avoid tick bites in the first place — not just this year but every year.