6 Tick-borne Diseases You Really Don't Want To Get

Tick season is not only starting sooner—it's becoming a year-round event. While April through September are usually the most active months, the pesky eight-legged parasites are biting people and animals much earlier in the year than expected. The increasing tick bites are leading to a rise in a variety of tick-borne diseases, including some that were previously uncommon.

One reason for the hike in tick-transmitted diseases like Lyme disease and babesiosis is because humans are expanding towns and cities into previously forested areas. Andrew Handel, a pediatric infectious disease specialist in Stony Brook Medicine, says cutting down forests creates an edge habitat—when one habitat type meets another—which presents more opportunity for common tick hosts such as deer and mice to interact with humans. 

[Related: A guide to the tick species every American should know]

Climate change is another culprit. Changes in rain and temperature have morphed regions with low rates of tick-borne diseases into a more palatable place for the parasites to live. What's more, warmer conditions are getting ticks to wake up earlier from their winter sleep and have more time to bite nearby mammals. "As we see more mild winters, we're absolutely going to see more tick-borne diseases," says Handel.

The best thing to do is to stay aware of how ticks are circulating in your area. Even if you don't live in the Northeast, you may be at risk for other tick-borne diseases. Knowing what to watch out for in spring, summer, and even other seasons can help treat and potentially prevent future tick bites—and the diseases that follow.

Babesiosis

Babesiosis is a parasitic infection transmitted by the bite of deer ticks (also known as black-legged ticks). These ticks are about the size of a poppy seed and found on small mammals like the white-footed mice living in the Northeast and upper Midwest. Minnesota and Wisconsin are two Midwestern states with endemic transmission of babesiosis.

Once the Babesia parasite enters the human body, it targets red blood cells. The parasites infect and destroy red blood cells by forcing their cell membrane to break open. A tremendous loss of red blood cells can, over time, cause hemolytic anemia. "It's actually the same way that malaria works, and is why it's called 'the malaria of the Northeast,'" says Handel.

Babesiosis is treatable. Your doctor would prescribe a seven- to 10-day course of antibiotics if you are severely ill. Some people are at a higher risk of complications from anemia—people who are immunocompromised, those without a spleen, and newborn babies—and may need to get blood transfusions or other supportive care.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease is also spread through deer ticks. "These ticks carry and spread multiple diseases," explains Chad Cross, a researcher at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas who studies parasites and vector-borne diseases. "If you are bitten by one, there's always the possibility of being infected by more than one disease agent at the same time."

While the CDC estimate shows 476,000 Lyme disease cases in the US each year, Cross states there are "at least 10 times more cases of Lyme disease than are actually reported" to the department. One reason for the discrepancy is that most cases are asymptomatic. When people do show symptoms, the fatigue and chills they exhibit can be mistaken for another condition. If left untreated, there is a risk of developing neurological problems such as facial paralysis and nerve damage to the limbs. Chronic lyme can lead to a host of persistent issues, too, many of which are still less understood. 

Most early Lyme disease cases are curable with a two- to four-week regimen of oral antibiotics such as doxycycline and amoxicillin. However, some patients may continue to experience pain, fatigue, and concentration issues six months after treatment. 

Anaplasmosis

Anaplasmosis manifests as a flu-like illness in humans. The bacterium is present in deer ticks in the Northeast and Midwestern US. The Western blacklegged tick, most prevalent around the coast of California, Oregon, and Washington, can also spread the pathogen. There has been an upward trend of anaplasmosis cases from 348 cases in 2000 to 5,655 cases in 2019.

Similar to Lyme disease, people who develop anaplasmosis develop nonspecific symptoms such as fever and muscle aches. If left untreated, it may turn fatal with some developing severe bleeding problems and organ failure. Handel says doxycycline is the most effective treatment option.

Powassan virus infection

Three tick species carry the Powassan virus: the groundhog tick, the squirrel tick, and the deer tick. Of those, the deer tick is the one that often bites and infects humans. Nearly all cases of this rare virus have occurred in the Northeast and Great Lakes region.

The virus causes mild symptoms such as headache, vomiting, and fever. By the time a diagnosis is made, Handel says about half of the patients present some type of neurologic deficit. People may also continue to show neurological problems, such as chronic headaches and memory problems after recovery.

Because there are only about 20 to 30 cases a year, Handel says there's not a lot of medical research on how to treat it. There is no cure or antivirals to treat Powassan virus. Instead, infected individuals are given fluids, over-the-counter medications, and other supportive care to ease symptoms while the immune system fights off the infection.

A dog tick after being pulled off a pet's fur. Deposit Photos Rocky Mountain spotted fever

There are two main ticks responsible for spreading rocky mountain spotted fever: the Rocky Mountain wood tick and the American dog tick. Cross says the American dog tick is very common out East while the Rocky Mountain wood tick is found in the West. Despite its name, Cross says Rocky Mountain spotted fever is being found more in the East and South than in the actual Rocky Mountain region. The less-common brown dog tick has also caused several cases along the US-Mexico border. The disease is part of a larger class of illnesses that strike thousands of people in the states each year.

The most noticeable sign is a rash that looks like red splotches or pinpoint dots in the first three days after getting bit. If treated with either doxycycline or an antibacterial agent within the first one to four days, the symptoms won't worsen. Otherwise, the disease can be fatal. After a week, Cross says that people can develop swelling in the brain, life-threatening respiratory problems, and a coma-like state. Those who recover from severe illness may be left with permanent disability, such as paralysis or amputation of limbs.

Alpha-gal syndrome

A bite from the lone star tick can make you allergic to red meat for life. The unusual condition takes root when someone becomes highly sensitive to a sugar molecule called alpha-gal that's found in most mammals. People who develop the allergy cannot eat red meat (fish and birds are safe to consume) or mammal-based products like dairy and gelatin. They may also be restricted in using certain medication such as heparin, which uses pig intestines. An allergic reaction can range from hives and nausea to more life-threatening reactions like anaphylactic shock.

Alpha-gal syndrome has been a rare but increasing tick-borne condition. In 2009, there were only 24 alpha-gal cases reported in the US. By 2021, the number was estimated to be around 34,000. While saliva from the lone star tick seems to trigger the mammalian allergy, deer tick bites are suspected of also causing it. According to the CDC, lone star ticks have concentrated in large numbers across the country. They are found in the southeastern, eastern, and south-central US states extending from Maine to central Texas and Oklahoma. 

There is no cure for alpha-gal syndrome. Instead, people need to learn to avoid certain foods and mammal-based products. Symptoms are managed using antihistamines and corticosteroids.

Reduce your chances of tick infections

These days, ticks are a threat across most of the US and in practically every season. Experts warn that cases will only continue to rise as ticks expand to previously uninhabitable areas. 

[Related: Climate change could introduce humans to thousands of new viruses]

Your best bet at avoiding tick-borne diseases is to keep the pests off your body. Rather than staying indoors for the rest of your life, both experts recommend spraying tick and mosquito repellant. "DEET is what we usually recommend at 20 to 30 percent," says Handel. If you're going to be hiking or spending a lot of time outside, learn how to handle an insecticide called permethrin. Handel advises leaving your clothes overnight in the solution to kill any insect on contact. The repellency lasts for up to 10 washes. But make sure to only use it on your clothes or gear—it's not meant to be sprayed directly on human skin.

Remember, you can pick up ticks even if you're not an avid hiker or camper. Ticks tend to live on tall grass, meaning they might climb on you at the park or even on your own property. Avoid rubbing up on any tall grass and keep to the middle when walking down a path. Wearing long sleeves and tucking your pants inside your socks further prevents any openings for the pests to crawl into if they latch on your clothes. 

Once you get home, immediately wash your clothes in high heat and perform a tick check for any stragglers. If you take your pet outdoors (even if it's just the yard), you'll want to check them daily for ticks as well. There are also topical medications that you or a vet can apply to your pet to control for any external parasites. If you or any members of your household are feeling unwell, always let your doctor know that you've been in wooded areas or places with high tick circulation.

"These tick-borne diseases have been around for a long time and they're going to become more common over time," says Handel. "But by following these steps you can keep yourself safe and still enjoying the outdoors without having to have too much anxiety about catching one of these infections."

Internal Bleeding: Causes, Treatments, And More

Internal bleeding occurs within your body, such as inside the stomach or the brain. Bleeding internally is often the result of trauma or an injury, but there are rarer causes.

An injury that damages the outside of your body is easy to see. A cut or tear in your skin usually bleeds. You can see what's hurt, and it's easy to pinpoint what caused it.

Internal bleeding isn't as easy to see or diagnose. Less obvious causes can result in internal bleeding, too. These include gastritis, organ damage, or a bleeding disorder.

In some cases, the bleeding may be a sign of a life threatening condition. If you or someone you know suddenly develops the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. These could be symptoms of internal bleeding:

You may notice bloody or dark vomit or stool. Occasionally, if the bleeding is behind the internal organs in the abdomen, you may have bruising around your navel or on the sides of your abdomen.

Other cases of internal bleeding can be less severe, but it's still important you see your doctor as soon as you notice symptoms.

Internal bleeding is a symptom of an injury, condition, or disease. You won't have internal bleeding without an underlying reason.

Recognizing the symptoms of internal bleeding can help you and your doctor understand what's bleeding, why it's bleeding, and what conditions could be contributing to the problem.

Internal bleeding in your head

This can cause:

Internal bleeding in your chest or abdomen

This can cause:

Internal bleeding into your muscles or joints

This can cause:

Other symptoms

It's possible to experience shock in some cases of internal bleeding.

This is especially true if internal bleeding occurs in locations where a substantial amount of blood can be lost, such as your chest, abdomen, or thigh. Shock occurs when there's not enough blood to supply your whole body.

Symptoms of shock include:

The presence of other underlying conditions may help doctors identify if you're losing blood somewhere.

For example,anemia is commonly associated with a slow and chronic internal bleeding. It can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Some people with internal bleeding will also have low blood pressure because of the constant blood loss. This is known as orthostatic hypotension. Common symptoms include feeling dizzy or light-headed when you stand.

Sometimes, identifying what's causing internal bleeding can be simple. If you've been involved in an accident or had a recent injury, the bleeding is likely the result of that event.

Also, diagnosing the cause may be easier if you have a condition that can lead to internal bleeding, such as gastritis.

However, not every case of internal bleeding is so clear-cut. Finding the source of internal bleeding may take some time and require a thorough physical examination.

General causes

These can include:

Damage to a blood vessel. Minor tears can occur with an injury.

Clotting factors. Your body makes proteins to stop any bleeding if you're cut or injured. If your body doesn't make enough clotting factors, you may bleed freely.

Certain medications. Certain medications, like blood thinners, can prevent clotting and lead to severe bleeding if you're injured or have an accident. Some over-the-counter medications, including aspirin, can damage the lining of your stomach.

Chronic high blood pressure. High blood pressure weakens blood vessel walls. Weak walls can form aneurysms that can rupture and bleed.

Inherited bleeding disorders. Hemophilia is a genetic condition that prevents your blood from properly clotting. A minor injury may bleed heavily if it's not properly treated.

Gastrointestinal (GI) causes. Bleeding in your abdomen, or stomach, may be caused by one of several GI conditions. These include colon polyps, colitis, Crohn's disease, gastritis, esophagitis, and peptic ulcers.

Endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition where endometrium-like tissue grows outside the uterus in areas like the ovaries, abdomen, and bowel. The uterus will shed its lining and cause bleeding in a separate place, such as the pelvis. Diagnosis is made with the help of biopsies, a CT scan, an MRI, and an ultrasound.

Lifestyle factors. Alcohol, smoking, and illicit drugs can irritate the lining of your stomach.

More serious causes

These can include:

Trauma. Experiences including car accidents, falls, and dropping a heavy object on yourself can damage your organs, blood vessels, and bones. You may experience internal bleeding without cutting your skin.

Aneurysms. Weak blood vessel walls can bulge and form pockets of blood. Many aneurysms don't cause any symptoms, but a burst aneurysm can be life-threatening.

Broken bones. Most broken bones are nothing to be worried about, but breaking your body's larger bones, such as the femur, can cause significant internal bleeding.

Ectopic pregnancy. A pregnancy outside the uterus can cause internal bleeding as the fetus grows. The condition can be life-threatening.

Surgery. Before a surgeon completes an operation, they make sure all the bleeding has stopped. If they miss something, bleeding may continue even after the incision is closed. In some cases, this bleeding can be severe.

No matter the cause, it's important that you get medical attention. Minor internal bleeding can quickly become more serious if the cause isn't identified and treated quickly.

Diagnosing an internal bleed usually requires medical tests, a physical exam, and a thorough review of your medical history. Your doctor may use lab tests and imaging tools to both identify the cause of your internal bleeding and measure the severity.

For injuries, an imaging test may be all that's necessary. An X-ray shows an image of your bones. A CT scan is an advanced X-ray that can see bones, tissues, and blood vessels. Angiography is an imaging test that can carefully examine individual blood vessels.

If the cause of the bleeding isn't easily determined, your doctor may order several medical tests to help identify what's bleeding and why.

The first goal of treatment is to find the source of the bleeding and stop it. Some bleeding can be minor and may stop on its own. Other cases are more severe and may require more in-depth measures, including surgery.

When your doctor prescribes a treatment for internal bleeding, they'll likely consider:

the severity of the cause

the organ or blood vessel that is injured

your overall health

In mild cases of internal bleeding, treatment typically involves rest and symptom control.

Rest gives your body time to heal while it reabsorbs the blood and the inflammation decreases. A few additional treatment techniques may be necessary for slow bleeds once the cause is identified and treated.

However, some causes of internal bleeding need greater treatment. Surgery may be necessary to stop the bleeding and clean out any pooled blood. The type of surgery you need depends on how severe the bleeding is, where the bleeding is, and your overall health.

After the bleeding stops, treatment will focus on repairing any damage and stabilizing your body.

Depending on the severity, untreated internal bleeding can lead to organ failure, coma, and in some cases death. Even with treatment, severe internal bleeding can result in death.

It's very important to identify and treat internal bleeding early in order to avoid any complications.

It's important to find and treat the cause and risk factors that may lead to internal bleeding. Without quick treatment, you may experience lasting effects.

For example, bleeding in the brain may cause a stroke or long-term brain damage. You may need physical, occupational, and speech therapy to relearn certain behaviors and activities. These therapies may also help prevent future tears or blood vessel damage.

If internal bleeding is caught, diagnosed, and treated appropriately, the outlook is positive. Many people can make a full recovery. Additional treatments may be necessary to prevent a future bleed, but few lasting effects will remain.

Expert Shares 'subtle' Symptom Of Bowel Cancer That Could Mean You Are Bleeding Internally

There are almost 43,000 new cases of bowel cancer in the UK every year, making it the fourth most common form of the disease. Also known as colorectal cancer, it most commonly presents with symptoms involving changes in toilet habits. However, there can be more "subtle" signs to look for.

"A diagnosis of anaemia may be a sign that you're bleeding internally, even if you haven't noticed blood in your poo.

"The lack of iron in the body can leave you feeling tired."

Other signs of anaemia include:

Shortness of breath

Noticeable heartbeats (heart palpitations)

Pale skin.

Dr Clark continued: "Weight loss is less common than some of the other symptoms, but bowel cancer can prevent you from being able to absorb all the nutrients from your food.

"You might not feel like eating if you feel sick, bloated or if you just don't feel hungry."

The early signs of bowel cancer

He warned that the disease could cause changes to your stools in its earliest stages.

"Changes in the colour, shape, and texture of your poo that last longer than a few days can reveal signs of infection, digestive issues or more serious problems, such as cancer," he said.

"Although persistent constipation can be a sign of bowel cancer – having looser stools or feeling the need to go to the toilet more frequently is a more common symptom.

READ MORE: Cut back on smoked and processed meat to lower blood pressure, says health body

He added: "Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers, so it's vital to speak to a medical professional if you notice symptoms.

"If anything doesn't look or feel right, or you've noticed an unexplained change of some sort, it's crucial that you seek medical help immediately, no matter what your age."

The NHS says bowel cancer can also cause abdominal pain that is always brought on by eating, as well as unintentional weight loss, being sick and constant swelling of the tummy, which are all combined with abdominal pain.

If you are concerned you could have bowel cancer you should speak with your GP.

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