The Journal of Medical Entomology has published a recent article regarding utilization of integrated tick management (ITM). Researchers studied the effects of “configuration of bait box deployment” on the reduction of tick burden in a suburban/rural landscape. Researchers additionally investigated bait consumption and white-footed mouse (P. leucopus) abundances as a measure of the usage and […]
In a recently published review article,* authors provide a comprehensive summary of treatment options for pregnant patients with less common bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, including several tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, human monocytic ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever). This review provides guidance to clinicians based on the most recently […]
In a recent article, Johns Hopkins presents its newly developed tool, the Lyme and Tickborne Disease (TBD) Dashboard which tracks tickborne diseases at a global scale and displays maps and spatial data sets utilizing unique geographic context and includes a search function to find out what the incidence is in your US county. This initiative was […]
Pfizer has received priority review for their vaccine, TicoVac, that protects against tick-borne encephalitis. This tick-borne virus can cause meningitis and trigger long-term neurological symptoms. If approved, the vaccine would potentially protect travelers as well as members of the US military that are deployed to regions where the virus is common, such as Europe and parts of Asia.
The results of a study to collect ticks from Pike County, Pennsylvania, conducted by the Northeast Wildlife DNA Laboratory of East Stroudsburg University included real time PCR analysis of ticks countywide. The county was divided into 9 grids, each with several collection sites. The sites were based on use by community members and presence of […]
Powassan (POW) is caused by a flavivirus. There are two virus types. One virus type is transmitted by the deer tick/blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis): lineage 2 POW virus (“deer tick virus”). The other virus type is transmitted by other Ixodes ticks – Ixodes marxi (squirrel tick), and Ixodes cookei (woodchuck tick–found E. of Rockies into New […]
Q fever is caused by Coxiella burnetti (Cb). Disease can be tick-borne, but most cases result from inhaling Cb-containing dust. Cattle, sheep and goats are the primary reservoirs. Symptoms include high fevers up to 105°F, severe headache, malaise, myalgia, chills and/or sweats, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, chest pain, and may include endocarditis, encephalitis, pneumonia, hepatitis, splenomegaly. […]
Rickettsia species 364D (Rickettsia philipii), the etiologic agent of Pacific Coast tick fever (PCTF). Transmitted to people by the Pacific Coast tick, Dermacentor occidentalis. As of 2016, fourteen cases (14) cases reported (all in California); 1st case in 2008. Most cases in Northern CA. The Pacific Coast tick’s range includes most of California, southern Oregon, […]
The picture in New Jersey of spotted fever group rickettsiosis (SFGR), which includes Rocky Mountain Spotted fever (RMSF), is complex. In this latest study from the Am. Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (James Occi, Rutgers University, et al, ), the researchers tested American dog ticks and lone star ticks in NJ to determine which […]
Rickettsia parkeri Rickettsiosis This disease is found in Eastern & Southern US & Gulf Coast. It is transmitted by Amblyomma maculatum, Gulf Coast tick. Symptoms include headache, fever, variable rash, eschar, which is dead tissue that falls off (sheds) from healthy skin. Diagnosis through PCR testing. Doxycycline is used for treatment. CDC website statement: Confirmation […]
