Rising Threat: Tick-Borne Illnesses and How to Protect Yourself

## The Hidden Danger in Your Backyard

Imagine enjoying a peaceful hike in the woods or spending a sunny afternoon in your garden, unaware of the tiny but potentially deadly threats lurking around you. Tick-borne illnesses are on the rise, posing serious health risks to people across the United States. This growing concern underscores the importance of understanding these diseases and taking necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family.

## Unveiling the Silent Killers: Tick-Borne Diseases on the Rise

### The Surge in Tick-Borne Illnesses

Over the past two decades, there has been a significant increase in cases of tick-borne diseases, with Lyme disease being the most common. However, it is not the only illness transmitted by ticks. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis are also among the diseases that ticks can spread. These diseases often go undiagnosed due to lack of awareness and knowledge about the risks.

### The Role of Hunters in Tick Surveillance

A collaboration between Baylor University, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and local hunters has been crucial in tracking tick populations and the diseases they carry. Hunters collect ticks from the animals they hunt and send them in for testing. This initiative helps map out the risk areas and informs public health strategies.

Dr. Sarah Gunter, an assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, emphasizes the importance of understanding the risk in specific areas. "We work with the hunter population because we thought they could be at high risk. In doing that, we realized they were exposed to all kinds of bugs. We want to know what the risk is in an area because if we’re going to diagnose people based off of symptoms, you have to know that there’s a risk for that disease in the area," she explains.

### A Father’s Heartbreaking Campaign

The tragic story of Gabby Galbo, who died at the age of five from Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, highlights the deadly potential of tick-borne diseases. Gabby’s father, Tony Galbo, has been tirelessly campaigning for greater awareness and preventive measures since her untimely death twelve years ago. He advocates for mandatory reporting, mapping, and public awareness to prevent other families from suffering the same fate.

"It’s continued to be ignored…. Mandatory reporting, mandatory mapping, and public awareness. That’s all I’m asking for. If we can start doing that, there’s gonna be less and less cases missed," says Galbo, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to combat these diseases.

## Understanding the Factors Behind the Increase

### Climate Change: A Catalyst for Tick Proliferation

One of the primary reasons for the increase in tick-borne illnesses is climate change. Warmer temperatures and longer summers create ideal conditions for ticks to thrive in regions that were previously too cold for them. As Dr. Gunter notes, "Things like changes in the seasons, so summer’s getting hotter, summer’s getting longer, allow ticks to move into areas that maybe it was historically too cold for them to be."

### Human Encroachment on Wildlife Habitats

Another significant factor is human encroachment into wildlife habitats. As people move into areas that were once primarily inhabited by wildlife, the chances of encountering ticks and contracting tick-borne diseases increase. This phenomenon, known as spillover, brings humans into closer contact with ticks and the diseases they carry.

## Protecting Yourself and Your Family

### Clothing and Personal Habits

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect yourself from ticks is by wearing appropriate clothing. When venturing into areas where ticks may be present, wear long sleeves, long pants, and tuck your pants into your socks. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks.

### Post-Outdoor Activities: Check and Clean

After spending time outdoors, it’s crucial to check your body thoroughly for ticks. Pay close attention to areas where ticks are likely to hide, such as behind the knees, underarms, and the scalp. Additionally, running your clothing through a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes can kill any ticks that may have hitched a ride.

### Landscape Management

Maintaining your yard can also help reduce the risk of tick exposure. Keep grass short, remove leaf litter, and create a barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas to limit tick migration into recreational spaces.

## A Call to Action: Raising Awareness and Taking Precautions

Tick-borne diseases are a growing public health concern that requires immediate attention and action. Increased awareness, preventive measures, and early diagnosis are key to reducing the incidence of these illnesses. By understanding the risks and implementing practical steps to protect yourself and your loved ones, you can help mitigate the threat posed by ticks.

### Join the Fight Against Tick-Borne Diseases

The fight against tick-borne illnesses is a collective effort. Stay informed, share knowledge, and take proactive measures to protect your community. If you found this article helpful, please like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more updates and information on health and wellness. Together, we can make a difference in the battle against tick-borne diseases. Let’s continue the conversation in the comments below!