Tick-Borne Illnesses Remain a Serious Health Concern Across New England

By-Hank Stolz

Graphic-Radio Worcester, Photo-Saint Vincent Hospital

Worcester, MA- As temperatures rise and more people head outdoors, health officials continue to warn that tick-borne illnesses remain a significant public health concern throughout Massachusetts and the broader New England region.According to Dr. George Abraham, Chief of Medicine at St. Vincent Hospital, residents should understand that Lyme disease is only one of several illnesses carried by ticks that are now common throughout the Northeast. “The bottom line is to be aware that tick-borne illness is a reality,” said Dr. Abraham. “It is a risk when we live in this part of the country.”

Several Tick Species Can Carry Different Diseases

While many people are familiar with Lyme disease, Dr. Abraham explains that multiple tick species are present in New England, each capable of transmitting different illnesses.
These include:

• Black-legged ticks (commonly called deer ticks)
• American dog ticks
• Lone Star ticks

As tick populations expand and migrate, healthcare professionals are seeing new tick-related health concerns emerge in areas where they were previously uncommon.Dr. Abraham notes that human travel and mobility have contributed to the spread of various tick species, increasing the importance of awareness and prevention.

Early Detection Is One of the Best Defenses

One of the most important facts about Lyme disease prevention is that transmission does not happen immediately after a tick attaches. Dr. Abraham explains that young deer ticks typically must remain attached and feeding for an extended period before Lyme disease transmission becomes likely. “These little baby ticks have to feed on us for at least 36 to 48 hours or longer,” he said. Because of this delay, daily tick checks can dramatically reduce the risk of infection. “When we come home, we should be essentially checking ourselves out,” Abraham advises.

Experts recommend thoroughly checking:

• Arms and legs
• Behind the knees
• Underarms
• Waistline
• Scalp and hair
• Children after outdoor activities
• Pets that have been outdoors

Outdoor Precautions Can Reduce Risk

Individuals spending time in wooded, grassy, or brush-filled areas can lower their exposure by taking simple precautions.

Recommended prevention strategies include:

• Wearing long-sleeved shirts
• Wearing long pants
• Tucking pant legs into socks
• Staying on cleared trails when possible
• Using appropriate insect repellents
• Performing full-body tick checks after outdoor activities

These steps can significantly reduce the likelihood of a tick attaching long enough to transmit disease.

How to Properly Remove a Tick

If a tick is found attached to the skin, prompt and proper removal is important. Dr. Abraham recommends using fine-pointed tweezers and following these steps:

1. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
2. Pull straight upward with steady pressure.
3. Do not twist or jerk the tick.
4. Clean the bite area afterward.

Improper removal techniques can increase irritation and may leave parts of the tick embedded in the skin.

Treatment Options Are Available

If a tick bite is discovered, individuals should contact their healthcare provider to discuss next steps. Dr. Abraham notes that in some cases, preventive antibiotic treatment may be appropriate. “A single dose of antibiotic usually prevents the acquisition of active Lyme disease or most of the other tick-borne illnesses,” he explained. Prompt medical evaluation can help determine whether treatment is recommended based on the type of tick, how long it was attached, and other risk factors.

Awareness Remains the Best Protection

With tick populations continuing to expand throughout Massachusetts and New England, Dr. Abraham emphasizes that awareness, prevention, and early detection remain the most effective tools for reducing risk. For anyone spending time outdoors this summer, a simple tick check at the end of the day could help prevent a serious illness later.