By Sara McCloskey-Nieves 

More patients are coming into emergency departments this summer with a small bite that could cause a big problem.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the first few weeks of July saw the largest increase in tick-related hospital visits since 2017. 

What’s causing this uptick in cases? Not only are tick populations increasing in the United States, but Richard T. Marconi, Ph.D., a nationally recognized researcher on Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, says people are more informed about the consequences of tick-borne diseases, so they are more likely to seek quick medical attention. 

“People are very aware of the risk of tick exposure when outdoors,” said Marconi, who is a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. “If you venture into areas with grasses and shrubs, frequent tick checks are important because prompt removal of ticks is key. If you remove a tick before it has taken “a full blood meal” there's very little chance of acquiring a tick-borne disease.” 

Marconi and his research team have been studying these parasitic arachnids and the diseases they carry with the goal of developing a human vaccine that prevents Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. They are also developing diagnostic tests to reliably detect infection, allowing for early treatment. His work contributed to the development of a canine vaccine, released in North America in 2016. 

Marconi spoke with VCU Health News about the current surge in tick-related cases and what’s contributing to the population’s growth. 

What areas of the United States are there currently large tick populations? 

Areas of the country with the highest density, or very high population, are in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic and upper Midwest. The tick population has increased significantly in Virginia primarily due to favorable weather conditions. 

What is contributing to the increase in the tick population?  

The prevailing thought among entomologists and others who study the environment is that climate change is a factor in the increase and spread of tick populations throughout the country. There's no question that the weather conditions have been very favorable for ticks.  

Even though we've had plenty of cold days over the past winter, they weren’t sufficient enough to decrease the tick population. You need prolonged periods of very cold temperatures to decrease tick populations in the spring. We've also had a lot of warm, humid days during the spring and summer, and that helps tick populations thrive.  

What else may be a factor? 

Another factor that can contribute to tick populations, which may seem somewhat odd, has to do with the production of acorns and similar food sources by trees. When you have years where the acorn crop is high, small mammal populations grow because they thrive on things like acorns. If you have lots of small mammals, like mice, moles, and voles, then they become hosts for ticks. Inevitably, these small animals help expand the tick population both in terms of its range and the number of ticks in an area. 

As a reminder, what is Lyme disease and how does it spread? 

Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria called Borreliella burgdorferi. The bacteria must live in a host. Small mammals are reservoirs for this bacteria. Ticks that feed on infected mammals acquire the bacteria and then transmit it to humans.  

When an infected tick feeds on a human for at least 36 to 48 hours, there's a potential for the bacteria to be transmitted and that can lead to Lyme disease. 

About 15% of ticks in Virginia carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Although ticks are active all year long, the peak months of Virginia’s tick season are June and July.  

Diagnosing Lyme disease during its early stages can be challenging because this illness mimics so many other common conditions that we generally don't seek treatment for. 

Are there treatments for Lyme disease? 

Yes, for the vast majority of cases, patients diagnosed with Lyme disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics. Even so, approximately 20% of patients will have long-term complications. There are also rare cases where Lyme disease can be deadly if it's not diagnosed early. Overall, if you're not feeling well and you recall a tick bite or live in an area that is endemic for ticks, talk to your primary care provider as soon as possible. 

What should I do if I am bitten by a tick? 

Early detection is very critical. If you see a tick on your body, stay calm. 

• Gently remove the tick using a fine pair of tweezers. 
• Monitor the tick bite area for any changes, including rashes or redness. 

Although this may sound odd – save the tick that bit you in a plastic bag or a small jar with rubbing alcohol. Health care professionals can examine the tick to determine if you’ve potentially contracted a tick-borne illness. 

If you are in an area where Lyme disease is prevalent and have just been bitten by a tick, it is not uncommon for doctors to prescribe a single dose of doxycycline as a measure to try to prevent the disease from developing further. 

How can I prevent tick bites?  

There are many things you can do to protect yourself from ticks, especially if you’re exploring a wooded area.

Here are some tips: 

• Wear light clothing so that you can see the ticks if they get on your clothes. Also, tuck your pants into your socks. 
• When you're done hiking, gardening or doing outdoor activities, check your body for any ticks. 
• Vaccinate your dog. 

We are still in the process of researching and developing a human vaccine for Lyme disease, so there isn’t one currently available or approved for medical use. 

How can you tell if you have Lyme disease? Tips from VCU experts.

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