I enjoy reading instagram posts where writers expound on the virtues of exploring Florida's woods and swamps. I agree that there is spectacular beauty to be found in the remaining natural areas of Florida but there are also a multitude of blood-suckers and other hazards awaiting any mammal that ventures into those wild areas. I particularly hate ticks though I'm not fond of mosquitoes, biting flies, bats. . .
Ticks are small arachnids, part of the order Parasitiformes. Along with mites, they constitute the subclass Acari. Ticks are ectoparasites (external parasites), living by feeing on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians. Ticks had evolved by the Cretaceous period (at least 70 million years ago, long before man). Widely distributed around the world they are especially prevalent in warm, humid climates (like Florida).
Almost all ticks belong to one or two major families, the Ixodidae or hard ticks, which are difficult to crush, and the Argasidae or soft ticks. Adults have ovoid or pear-shaped bodies which become engorged with blood when thy feed, and eight legs.
I always wear protection in the form of long sleeves, head cover, long pants, boots, and sometimes DEET in addition to everything else. Still, I have recently encountered ticks several times in my travels and these 2017 ticks seem immune to all my defensive strategies, somehow finding their way to my back, thighs, or buttocks.
Ticks can be found throughout the year in Florida, but there are seasonal differences in the abundance of nymphs and adults. This summer has been hot and damp and ticks are flourishing, spreading far beyond their normal range. We've encountered from woodland parks, to the Everglades, to our front door. July is typically peak tick season but with longer, hotter falls ticks can be encountered well into December or January in Florida.
Ticks in either nymph or adult stage can transmit any diseases they carry, so quick removal of ticks and prevention of tick bites are both important. There can be an increased risk of disease from nymphs because they are often small enough to avoid being noticed.
From our years of hiking Florida we've found ticks to be most prevalent in sandweed around lakeshores and in any kind of cedar, but this year they're being encountered just about everywhere. Last week I picked up one while mowing the lawn. I live on a large, rural property, but normally wouldn't encounter ticks unless I was working in high grass, brush, scrub, or trees.
Lone Star Tick
(Amblyomma americanum)
The lone star is the most common human-biting tick in Florida and easily recognizable. Females have a light-colored dot on their back. Lone star ticks carry and transmit ehrlichiosis and southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI) which is also known as Masters disease.
Ehrlichiosis is the general name used to describe several bacterial diseases that affect animals and humans. Human ehrlichiosisis a disease caused by at least three different ehrlichial species in the United States: Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, and a third Ehrlichia species provisionally called Ehrlichia muris-like (EML). Ehrlichiae are transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected tick. The lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is the primary vector of both Ehrlichia chaffeensisand and in the United States. Typical symptoms include: fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. Usually, these symptoms occur within 1-2 weeks following a tick bite. Ehrlichios is diagnosed based on symptoms, clinical presentation, and later confirmed with specialized laboratory tests. The first line treatment for adults and children of all ages is doxycycline. Ehrlichiosis and other tickborne diseases can be prevented.
Lone star tick a concern, but not for Lyme disease
Many people, even health care providers, can be confused about whether the lone star tick causes Lyme disease. It does not. Patients bitten by lone star ticks will occasionally develop a circular rash similar to the rash of early Lyme disease. The cause of this rash has not been determined; however, studies have shown that the rash is not caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease.
This condition has been named southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI). The rash may sometimes be accompanied by fatigue, headache, fever, and muscle pains. In the cases of STARI studied to date, the rash and accompanying symptoms have resolved following treatment with an oral antibiotic (doxycycline), but it is unknown whether this medication speeds recovery. STARI has not been linked to arthritis, neurologic disease, or chronic symptoms. Researchers once hypothesized that STARI was caused by the spirochete, Borrelia lonestari, however further research did not support this idea. The cause of STARI remains unknown.
Lone star ticks have NOT been shown to transmit Borrelia burgdorferi, the cause of Lyme disease. In fact, their saliva has been shown to kill Borrelia .
The lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum, is found throughout the eastern, southeastern and south-central states. The distribution, range and abundance of the lone star tick have increased over the past 20-30 years, and lone star ticks have been recorded in large numbers as far north as Maine and as far west as central Texas and Oklahoma. All three life stages (larva, nymph, adult) of the lone star tick will feed on humans, and may be quite aggressive. Lone star ticks will also feed readily on other animals, including dogs and cats, and may be brought into the home on pets. The saliva from lone star ticks can be irritating; redness and discomfort at a bite site does not necessarily indicate an infection.
People should monitor their health closely after any tick bite, and should consult their physician if they experience a rash, fever, headache, joint or muscle pains, or swollen lymph nodes within 30 days of a tick bite. These can be signs of a number of tickborne diseases.
Tick-borne illness may be prevented by avoiding tick habitat (dense woods and brushy areas), using insect repellents containing DEET or permethrin, wearing long pants and socks, and performing tick checks and promptly removing ticks after outdoor activity. Additional prevention tips are available.
Nymphs occur between February and October; adults occur April through August with a peak in July. More on the Lone Star Tick invasion of the Northeast below.
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| Identification Chart for Most Common ticks click on image for a larger view |
Other Florida Tick Types
Brown Dog Tick
(Rhipicephalus sanguineus)
The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus Latreille, is unusual among ticks, in that it can complete its entire life cycle indoors. Because of this, it can establish populations in colder climates, and has been found in much of the world. Many tick species can be carried indoors on animals, but cannot complete their entire life cycle inside. Although R. sanguineus will feed on a wide variety of mammals, dogs are the preferred host in the U.S. and appear to be required to develop large infestations.
The brown dog tick feeds mainly on dogs and is usually found in areas where dogs frequent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently identified the brown dog tick as a vector for Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) in the southwestern United States and along the Mexican border.
American Dog Tick
American dog ticks are usually found on dogs, but they will also attach to other mammals and humans. Unlike the brown tick, it is typically an outdoor tick, not a household pest. This tick can carry RMSF.
Nymphs feed on rodents, but adults will attach to humans. Adults are abundant from March through September.
American dog ticks can also cause paralysis in dogs and children when the ticks attach to the base of the skull or the spinal column. Paralysis is caused by a toxic secretion. Recovery usually occurs within 24 hours of removing the tick.
Gulf Coast Tick
(Amblyomma maculatum)
This tick is prevalent in southeastern states. It looks similar to the American dog tick but has larger mouthparts. Gulf Coast ticks transmit a less severe RMSF relative, Rickettsia parkeri.
Nymphs are found in early spring (January to March), and adults from March through September. Adults are commonly found on the ears of large mammals, such as cattle.
The ticks are ectoparasites that feed on a variety of birds and mammals, and will readily bite humans. Gulf Coast ticks are of increasing concern because of their ability to transmit several pathogens of veterinary and medical importance.
Black-Legged Tick or Deer Tick
(Ixodes scapularis)
The black-legged tick (or deer tick) is mostly known as the carrier of Lyme disease. Black-legged ticks also carry babesiosis and HGA (human granulocytic anaplasmosis).
Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a tick-borne, infectious disease caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, an obligate intracellular bacterium that is typically transmitted to humans by ticks of the Ixodes ricinus species complex, including Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus in North America. These ticks also transmit Lyme disease and other tick borne diseases.
Nymphs are found April through August. Adults are common throughout the winter (September through May).
Prevention and Control
Ticks must feed for several hours to transmit disease organisms, so quick identification and removal help reduce tick-borne disease. To remove a tick, grasp it on its mouthparts with tweezers and pull it straight out with firm pressure.
To avoid tick bites and diseases:
Remove ticks from pets and people as soon as noticed.
In tick-infested areas, keep clothing buttoned and tucked in, including placing pants inside boots.
Wear light-colored clothing to easily spot ticks.
Apply repellents to uncovered skin.
Avoid touching plants in tick-infested areas.
Check for ticks after frequenting tick-infested areas.
If you live in wooded areas, check for ticks daily.
Clear brush along pathways and frequented areas.
Landscape for tick-free zones. Consult with your local Extension agent for management tips.
Tick Diseases Prevalent in Florida
Several tick diseases are present in Florida, and others can be contracted during travel.
If you are bitten by a tick and become ill, contact your physician. Depending on the disease and individual reactions, it may take several weeks for symptoms to appear.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is considered the most severe tick-borne disease in the US, with a high mortality rate among untreated cases. RMSF has a disease presence in Florida, with the number of cases increasing in the summer months. The American dog tick is the main transmitter in Florida.
Symptoms: red, spotted rash after onset of fever; vomiting; headache; lack of appetite; and muscle aches.
The rash only appears in 60%–70% of RMSF cases. Many of the other symptoms are non-specific, so tell your physician about any tick bites.
Rickettsia parkeri
The Gulf Coast tick transmits Rickettsia parkeri, a RMSF relative; the lone star tick may be another vector. R. parkeri may be misdiagnosed as RMSF. Unlike RMSF, R. parkeri will cause the bite site to resemble a sore or pimple.
Symptoms: inoculation eschar (sore), fever, fatigues, headaches, muscle pain, and general rash.
Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI)
STARI is a Lyme-like disease transmitted by the lone star tick. STARI differs from Lyme disease in that chronic symptoms (e.g., arthritis, neurological symptoms) likely do not occur.
Symptoms: “bull’s eye” rash (erythema migraines), fatigue, fever, headache, and muscle and joint pain.
Lyme Disease
Fewer cases of lyme disease occur in Florida than in the northeastern US. In 2010, 56 confirmed cases were reported in Florida, compared with 4000+ in many northeastern states (CDC statistics). This is mainly attributed to two factors:
Tick population life cycles are different in Florida compared to northern states.
Black-legged ticks feed on Florida’s large population of reptiles and lizards, which are not reservoirs for the disease.
Of the Lyme disease cases reported from 1999-2008, 30% were acquired in Florida.
Symptoms: “Bull’s eye” rash, fever, headaches, chills, fatigue, and stiff neck or muscle aches. Late-stage symptoms may not appear until months or years after the bite.
The rash only appears in 60%–80% of Lyme cases and may not be at the bite site.
Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis
Ehrlichiosis (HME) and anaplasmosis (HGA) are transmitted by the lone star tick and black-legged tick, respectively. Most HGA cases are acquired outside of Florida. These diseases are difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Symptoms: Fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, joint pain, diarrhea, and confusion.
Babesiosis
Babesiosis is not considered a significant issue in Florida and the disease is not currently reportable. It is transmitted by black-legged ticks. Infections are thought to be asymptomatic. Those who do get symptoms experience fever, headache, and muscle weakness.
By ANERI PATTANI JULY 24, 2017, The New York Times
SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — This town is under siege from tiny invaders.
A doctor at Southampton Hospital recently pulled a tick off a woman’s eyeball. After a 10-minute walk outside, a mother reported finding a tick affixed to her 7-year-old daughter’s buttocks.
Another mother called the hospital in a “hysterical state,” according to the nurse who answered, because a tick had attached itself to her son’s penis.
Like many towns across the country, Southampton is seeing a tick population that is growing both in numbers and variety — at a time when ticks are emerging as a significant public health danger.
“Tick-borne diseases are a very serious problem, and they’re on the rise,” said Rebecca Eisen, a research biologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Even though you may live in an area where you didn’t have ticks in the past or your parents don’t remember having ticks, the distribution is changing,” she added. “More and more people are at risk.”
With the expansion of the suburbs and a push to conserve wooded areas, deer and mice populations are thriving. They provide ample blood meals for ticks and help spread the pests to new regions.
Originally from the Southeast, the lone star tick, for example, is heading north; it can now be found in 1,300 counties in 39 states. The blacklegged tick, also called the deer tick, is expanding its territory, too. In a recent study, Dr. Eisen reported a nearly 45 percent increase since 1998 in the number of counties with blacklegged ticks.
Thomas Mather, director of the University of Rhode Island’s TickEncounter Resource Center, said it used to get reports of three or four lone star ticks in the greater Chicago area each year. Now, it is receiving up to 15.
When a tick species marches into a new region, it poses a double-barreled threat, said Jerome Goddard, extension professor of medical and veterinary entomology at Mississippi State University.
First, the species brings diseases from its original location. Second, the ticks pick up new pathogens from animals in their new ecosystem.
Physicians and patients in a tick’s new home may be less familiar with the diseases it carries. They can overlook symptoms or attribute them to a different cause, delaying effective treatment.
The best known threat is Lyme disease. Cases in the United States increased from about 12,000 annually in 1995 to nearly 40,000 in 2015. Experts say the real number of infections is likely closer to 300,000.
But scientists are finding ticks carry more than just Lyme: At least a third of known tick-borne pathogens were found in the last 20 years. Heartland virus and Bourbon virus, which can prove fatal, were discovered in just the last five years.
Powassan virus, a rare but dangerous pathogen that can cause permanent brain damage or death, can be passed from tick to human in just 15 minutes. It was discovered in 1958, and an average of seven cases are reported each year. Earlier this month, a resident of Saratoga County, N.Y., who had Powassan disease died.
Dr. Gary Wormser, founder of the Lyme Disease Diagnostic Center at New York Medical College, said the most worrisome tick-borne contagion he sees is babesiosis, which can cause malaria-like symptoms and require hospitalization. A few of his patients have died from it; several required intensive care.
Before 2001, babesiosis was not found in Westchester, N.Y. But Westchester Medical Center has diagnosed at least 21 cases in the past year. A study of babesiosis in Wisconsin found a 26-fold increase in the number of cases between 2001 to 2003, and 2012 to 2015.
In places where the lone star tick is gaining prevalence, doctors also are seeing an increase in cases of alpha-gal syndrome, a strange allergy to red meat induced by tick bites.
Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule carried by the lone star tick. When the tick bites a human, it activates the immune system, which starts producing alpha-gal antibodies.
The body becomes wired to fight alpha-gal sugar molecules, which are abundant in red meat. Eating meat can trigger allergic reactions, from an itchy rash to anaphylactic shock.
Dr. Erin McGintee, an allergist and immunologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Southampton, sees two to three cases of alpha-gal syndrome per week during tick season. Since diagnosing her first case in October 2010, she has seen more than 380 patients.
“The cases are definitely increasing over time,” she said.
That is no surprise to Karen Wulffraat, administrative director of Southampton Hospital’s Tick-Borne Disease Resource Center.
“The calls about lone star tick bites are increasing in number, even overtaking the blacklegged tick,” which is native to the Northeast, she said.
Cathy Ward and her husband bought a summer home in Southampton in 1984, and moved there permanently eight years ago.
Ms. Ward remembers taking her son Bill to the nearby wildlife refuge as a child, where he would fill his hands with birdseed and stand with his arms outstretched until birds came and perched on them.
Now when Bill Ward visits with his young daughter, Taylor, his mother tells them the refuge is off limits — it is a breeding ground for ticks.
“It wasn’t a concern when Bill was young,” Ms. Ward said. “Now you have to protect yourself all the time. You don’t know where you’re going to pick up a tick.”
She will not garden in the yard anymore, and has it sprayed for ticks annually. Despite that, her granddaughter got a tick while visiting during the Fourth of July weekend. The family found it before it had bitten her, but it was a shock nonetheless.
“It’s scary, because we don’t know which diseases they carry,” said Mr. Ward.
Brian Kelly, owner of East End Tick and Mosquito Control, has noticed the change, too. His company now sprays people’s lawns instead of just their bushes because lone star ticks are more aggressive than the native blacklegged ticks, and tend to venture further from the woods.
“People can walk across their lawn barefoot to get the newspaper and get a tick,” he said.
As human exposure to ticks continues to increase, it’s likely that even the rarest infections they carry will become more common, Dr. Goddard said.
“This really has a human toll that a lot of people don’t recognize,” he said.
Bad news for summer barbecues: the lone star tick is spreading. This tiny bloodsucker is thought to have given thousands of Americans a dangerous meat allergy, one that has many folks swearing off steaks and ribs altogether. Once thought to be confined to the southeastern United States, the allergy is appearing in people who live all the way up in northern Minnesota. The tick is moving westward, too, if reports from Kansas are any indication.
Now found in up to 30 states the Lone Star Tick will soon likely be a nationwide menace thanks to climate change. Leading experts in human allergy, parasitology and entomology came together July 2017 to discuss the Lone Star tick, its geographic spread and the zoonotic diseases it can transmit. The panel, presented during the American Veterinary Medical Association’s annual convention.
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