tick-borne diseases - RVing with Rex

Tick, Tick, Tick: RVers Face a Worsening Tick Menace

Ticks continue to present an increasing risk to RVers and their pets. This is what you NEED to know going into Tick Season 2023…

Tick season 2023 is underway, and it’s not looking too great for RVers and their pets. Tick territories are continuing to spread across the states and a mild winter in some states means even more ticks.

As if that’s not bad enough, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns the public that it’s not just Lyme disease we need to worry about. There’s a significant increase in another type of tick-borne disease called babesiosis.

BUT! Don’t go canceling your camping plans! Ticks have always been a part of camping and always will be. You just need to know what to watch for and how to prevent and treat tick bites. So, don’t let these tiny creatures ruin your camping plans. You and your pets will be okay if you take the following necessary precautions.

Hyness, Massachusetts (a state with a high frequency of ticks that transmit Lyme Disease) *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Tick season 2023 forecast

Tick season forecasts for the past few years have not been comforting and tick season 2023 is no different. Species of ticks continue to widen their territories and another mild winter in some parts of the country favors the ticks flourishing this season.That means like in previous years RVers need to be on high alert and take preventative measures seriously. Plus, they need to do body checks and know what symptoms to watch out for after they spend time outdoors.

What months are tick season?

According to the CDC, tick exposure can occur year-round but ticks are most active during warmer months (April-September). They’re known to be most active in spring but again the season lasts through summer and even into the fall.

Tick season is typically over once temperatures drop below freezing in the fall. In milder climates, like California, ticks are active year-round.

Wolfeboro, New Hampshire (a state with a high frequency of ticks that transmit Lyme Disease) *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Regions where ticks live

Technically speaking, ticks live everywhere in the United States including Hawaii and Alaska. However, there are several species of ticks and some (like the ones in Alaska and Hawaii) don’t present a problem to humans.

The Lower 48 has the most variety of ticks including the problematic species that carry diseases that are harmful to humans.

The best practice for every RVer is to review the CDC’s tick maps to see which tick species live in the areas they plan to camp in. The resource is very helpful.

When people ask about the worst regions for ticks, they’re really asking about the worst regions for tick-borne diseases. Although multiple tick species can transmit Lyme disease and other diseases, the worst culprit is the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis)

The blacklegged tick, also known as a deer tick, is widely distributed across the eastern United States. If you want a rough idea of its territory, just draw a straight line down the middle of the U.S., and everything to the right is deer tick territory.

However, most deer ticks aren’t a problem beyond having to detach them from your skin. It’s the ticks in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the northeastern states you need to be most aware of.

If you look at the CDC’s map of Lyme Disease Cases, you can easily see which states are home to the ticks that transmit Lyme disease the most. These states are:

Minnesota
Wisconsin
Connecticut
Rhode Island
New Jersey
Delaware
Pennsylvania
Maryland
Maine
New Hampshire
Vermont
Massachusetts
West Virginia
Virginia

Unfortunately, Lyme disease isn’t the only disease ticks transmit. And deer ticks aren’t the only tick species that transmit disease. And disease-transmitting ticks aren’t only found in the eastern half of the United States.

For instance, the Rocky Mountain wood tick and brown dog tick can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and they live in Western states. The point is you should always be mindful of ticks when camping in the continental United States and Canada.

Cliff Walk, Newport, Rhode Island (a state with a high frequency of ticks that transmit Lyme Disease) *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Other tick-borne diseases

Besides Lyme disease, there are two other main tick-borne diseases you’ll hear about: babesiosis and anaplasmosis. Babesiosis, in particular, is on the rise in eastern parts of the US as it is also transmitted by the blacklegged deer tick.

Babesiosis symptions

Symptoms of babesiosis infection may range from people not knowing they are infected to feeling like they have mild flu to life-threatening. Life-threatening is a scary term but only a minority of tick bites lead to disease and only a minority of those cases are life-threatening. So, again, I’m not trying to scare you; I just want you to be aware of potential risks.

Symptoms, if any, can start within a week after a bite from an infected tick.

Flu-like symptoms may include:

Fever
Chills
Sweats
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Fatigue

Lackawanna State Park, Pennsylvania (a state with a high frequency of ticks that transmit Lyme Disease) *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Aanaplasmosis symtyoms

Aanaplasmosis (and ehrlichiosis) are similar tick-borne illnesses that cause flu-like symptoms. Symptoms usually appear within 14 days after a tick bit.

If treated quickly with appropriate antibiotics, you’ll likely recover within a few days. However, if left untreated or treated improperly, they can result in serious or life-threatening complications.

Flu-like symptoms may include:

Moderate fever
Chills
Headache
Muscles aches or pains
General feeling of being unwell
Joint pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite

Gloucester, Virginia (a state with a high frequency of ticks that transmit Lyme Disease) *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Lyme disease symptoms

Lyme disease symptoms usually go beyond the flu-like symptoms of the previous diseases mentioned. The most notable difference is joint stiffness and muscle aches.

The symptoms of Lyme disease vary. They usually show up in stages. But the stages can overlap. And some people don’t have symptoms of the typical early stage.

Lyme disease symptoms occur in three stages with the first stage usually happening within 3 to 30 days after a tick bite.

Morse Farms Maple Sugarworks, Vermont (a state with a high frequency of ticks that transmit Lyme Disease) *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Stage 1

Early symptoms of Lyme disease usually happen within 3 to 30 days after a tick bite. This stage of disease has a limited set of symptoms. This is called early localized disease.

Stage 1 symptoms include:

Rash (single circle that slowly (and usually unpainfully) spreads from the tick bite site
Fever
Headache
Extreme tiredness
Joint stiffness
Muscle aches and pains
Swollen lymph nodes

White Mountains, New Hampshire (a state with a high frequency of ticks that transmit Lyme Disease) *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Stage 2

Without treatment, Lyme disease can get worse. The symptoms often show up within 3 to 10 weeks after a tick bite. Stage 2 is often more serious and widespread. It is called early disseminated disease.

Stage 2 may include the stage 1 symptoms and the following:

Many rashes on other parts of the body
Neck pain or stiffness
Muscle weakness on one or both sides of the face
Immune-system activity in heart tissue that causes irregular heartbeats
Pain that starts from the back and hips and spreads to the legs
Pain, numbness or weakness in the hands or feet
Painful swelling in tissues of the eye or eyelid
Immune-system activity in eye nerves that cause pain or vision loss

Stage 3

In the third stage, you may have symptoms from the earlier stages and other symptoms. This stage is called late disseminated disease.

In the United States, the most common condition of this stage is arthritis in large joints, particularly the knees. Pain, swelling, or stiffness may last for a long time. Or the symptoms may come and go. Stage 3 symptoms usually begin 2 to 12 months after a tick bite.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (a state with a high frequency of ticks that transmit Lyme Disease) *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

When to see a doctor

Most people who get Lyme disease don’t remember having a tick bite. And many symptoms of Lyme disease relate to other conditions. See your health care provider if you have Lyme disease symptoms. An early diagnosis and proper treatment can improve outcomes.

If you know you had a tick bite or might have been around ticks, watch for symptoms. If they show up, see your care provider as soon as possible.

Prevention is the best medicine

Though tick-borne illnesses are widely treatable if discovered and properly treated early, prevention is still the best medicine.

I also have another helpful article on ticks:

What is Lyme disease and why is it Difficult to Treat?

New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia (a state with a high frequency of ticks that transmit Lyme Disease) *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Summary and FAQs about ticks

Q: Are ticks common while camping?
A: Yes, ticks are common in outdoor environments including camping areas. They thrive in wooded and grassy areas where they can easily attach themselves to humans and animals.

Q: Are all ticks dangerous?
A: While not all ticks are dangerous, some species can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or tick-borne encephalitis. It’s essential to be cautious and take preventive measures to avoid tick bites.

Q: How can I protect myself from ticks while camping?
A: To protect yourself from ticks, you can:

Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes
Use insect repellents containing DEET or permethrin on exposed skin and clothing
Tuck your pants into your socks or boots to create a barrier
Check your body and clothing regularly for ticks especially in warm and moist areas

Q: What should I do if I find a tick on me?
A: If you find a tick attached to your skin, follow these steps:

Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible
Pull upward with steady and even pressure, avoiding twisting or jerking
Clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer
Monitor the area for any signs of infection or illness and consult a healthcare professional if necessary

Q: How can I prevent ticks from infesting my camping gear?
A: To prevent ticks from infesting your camping gear:

Inspect your gear before and after each camping trip paying attention to seams, folds, and crevices
Use a tick repellent spray specifically designed for gear, tents, and sleeping bags
If possible, wash your gear with hot water or tumble dry on high heat to kill any ticks or their eggs

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia (a state with a high frequency of ticks that transmit Lyme Disease) *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Q: Can I use natural remedies to repel ticks?
A: Natural remedies like essential oils (e.g., lavender, lemongrass) or herbal sprays may offer some repellent properties but they are generally less effective than DEET or permethrin-based repellents. It’s recommended to use EPA-approved insect repellents for optimal protection against ticks.

Q: Should I be concerned about tick-borne diseases while camping?
A: While the risk of contracting tick-borne diseases exists it shouldn’t deter you from camping.

By taking preventive measures, promptly removing ticks, and monitoring your health after potential exposure, you can significantly reduce the risk of illness.

Stay informed about the prevalence of tick-borne diseases in the area you plan to camp and seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms.

Remember, if you have any concerns or encounter unusual symptoms after a tick bite, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.

Worth Pondering…

I know runners who have suffered a tick bite and ended up with Lyme disease. I’ll take an angry moose any day.

—Don Kardong

What is Lyme disease and why is it Difficult to Treat?

Lyme disease can be a crippling condition for many individuals

What is Lyme disease?

The origins of Lyme disease, or borreliosis, are widely disputed. From what I understand, it was first recorded in the 1970s in Lyme, Connecticut. In 1982, the spirochete bacteria that causes Lyme disease was discovered by Willy Burgdorfer and was named Borrelia burgdorferi. Since then, the rate of Lyme disease has grown and now Lyme disease is the most prevalent tick-borne illness in the United States and Canada.

Ticks usually hang out in wooded areas with lots of shrubs, tall grasses, and weeds *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are nearly 500,000 people diagnosed with Lyme disease every year. Many natural health practitioners believe that Lyme disease and other tick-borne pathogens are grossly under-diagnosed and frequently missed. One 2018 study published in Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) suggests that 12 percent of Americans could have been infected with Lyme by 2015, some 55 million people. To say this chronic illness is on the rise is an understatement.

A tick bite, usually from the eastern black-legged tick or the western black-legged tick, is the most common vector for Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

Lyme disease can have devastating consequences on the body because it tends to create systemic inflammation, hinder immune function, and potentially trigger autoimmune disease and chronic illness. Oftentimes, these patients are so immune-suppressed that their bodies can’t fight other infections they’re exposed to.

Lyme disease symptoms

There’s a wide range of symptoms for those struggling with tick-borne illness. Symptom manifestation can vary with each individual. If caught early, Lyme disease and other tick-borne pathogens can be treated relatively quickly. If left undetected, various chronic health concerns can arise, potentially contributing to a systemic inflammatory response, autoimmune disease, and chronic illness.

Many people who contract Lyme disease don’t recall having a tick bite because ticks can be so small. Furthermore, erythema migrans, the classic bulls-eye rash, are only reported about 70 percent of the time. Due to unreliable diagnostic criteria, these infections are also easy to miss on the frequently used laboratory tests.

The bull’s-eye rash

As mentioned, an erythema migrans rash doesn’t show up in at least 30 percent of Lyme cases. When it develops, it’s usually within 3 to 30 days after the initial bite. The rash starts relatively small and gradually expands over many days. It can reach diameters of up to 12 inches or more and appear on any area of the body. Sometimes, the skin clears as the rash enlarges, becoming a bull’s-eye shape.

Acute Lyme symptoms (3 to 32 days after tick bite)

Symptoms are varied and can include a headache, weakness, fever, fatigue, and muscle soreness. joint pain, neck pain, flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, bull’s-eye rash, dizziness, shortness of breath, nerve pain, mood changes, respiratory infections, anxiety, and panic attacks.

Why is Lyme disease difficult to treat?

Lyme disease is a dreaded health condition because it’s difficult to treat. This is because Borrelia burgdorferi Spirochetes can easily change their form and adapt to treatment methods, especially antibiotics. These forms are known as persisters because they can take on various sizes and shapes, changing from well-known forms to altered morphologies.

Many believe that Lyme disease becomes chronic because a round of antibiotics is often an insufficient treatment and Borrelia can adapt in the face of antibiotics. This is why a functional, holistic approach can be valuable.

Other tick-borne diseases

In addition to Borrelia Burgdorferi, ticks carry many pathogens including bacteria, parasites, and viruses that can contribute to acute and chronic illness. Listed here are some of the most common tick-borne illnesses and co-infections associated with Lyme. There are many more. With many overlapping symptoms, it’s sometimes difficult to ascertain exactly what an individual is dealing with.

Anaplasmosis: An infection caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum that presents with flu-like symptoms and can be fatal if left untreated.

Babesiosis: A result of microscopic parasites transmitted through various tick species. Symptoms include fever, chills, drenching sweats, anxiety, shortness of breath, racing heart, brain fog, and nausea. Sometimes hemolytic anemia results from the parasites attacking red blood cells.

Bartonella: Infections from Bartonella can cause fever, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, abdominal pain, fatigue, and poor appetite. It has also been associated with brain-based symptoms including depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome.

Ehrlichiosis: Ehrlichiosis symptoms include flu-like symptoms including fatigue, fever, chills, headaches, and muscle aches and pains.

Mycoplasma: Mycoplasma is the smallest bacterial species known. Symptoms include fever, cough, bronchitis, sore throat, headache, and tiredness. Sometimes pneumonia is a result of mycoplasma infection.

Rickettsiosis: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is included in this group of infections and can be contracted anywhere in the United States. Common symptoms include fever, body aches, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and headache. It causes a red rash on the palms of the hands in 50 to 85 percent of people.

Viruses: Ticks can carry novel viruses including the Powassan virus, South Bay Virus, Laurel Lake virus, Suffolk virus, various black-legged tick phleboviruses, and numerous others.

How to prevent Lyme disease?

Like any disease, Lyme disease is best avoided. While many of the most common diseases today can be held at bay with proper diet and exercise, Lyme disease requires special precautions to avoid the ticks that spread it.

Awareness in nature

Ticks usually hang out in wooded areas with lots of shrubs, tall grasses and weeds, and leaf litter. Ticks will attach themselves to whoever brushes by. When hiking or walking in nature, stay in the middle of the path and avoid contact with the low-lying brush. Wearing light-colored clothing and long pants provides a protective barrier for the skin against ticks. Tuck pant legs into the socks to safeguard this barrier.

Highest incidence of Lyme disease

According to the CDC, the areas with the highest occurrence of Lyme Disease are in the Northeast and include the states along the Atlantic seaboard from Maine in the north to Virginia in the south and Minnesota and Wisconsin in the Midwest.

Use tick repellant

Conventional recommendations to use DEET to deter ticks may prove helpful to avoid tick bites. Using essential oils in insect repellent sprays and embedded into flea and tick collars on pets is effective and safe. Research indicates that lemon eucalyptus is also a strong tick deterrent and can be as effective as DEET.

Some services spray your yard with garlic oil which is a natural tick deterrent. Many who live in Lyme endemic areas find this protective measure vitally important in preventing tick-borne pathogens from infecting their loved ones and pets.

Perform daily tick checks

An obvious, but sometimes overlooked step in avoiding tick-borne illness is conducting proper tick checks when coming inside after time in nature. This should be done very thoroughly, looking in all areas of the body, especially creases.

It is helpful to use a magnifier and a flashlight to be able to spot a tick since many are the size of a poppyseed.

How to properly remove a tick?

Removing an attached tick as soon as you find it is imperative to preventing illness because the longer ticks are attached, the greater their propensity to transmit pathogens. To remove an embedded tick, use a pair of needle-nose tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Twisting or jerking can cause mouthparts to remain embedded in the skin.

There are various tick removing instruments on the market as well, follow the instructions for the specific instrument when removing a tick with it. Once the tick has detached, examine the bite site to ensure the mouthparts were completely removed. Wash your hands with soap and water.

The lavender essential oil has powerful antimicrobial properties and may help kill pathogens. You can apply it (diluted in a carrier oil or neat, depending on the sensitivity of the skin) every five minutes for the first 30 to 40 minutes after removing the tick.

Testing a tick

After removing the tick, it should be placed in a sealed plastic bag with a moist paper towel or cotton ball for proper pathogen testing. Testing a tick can provide insight into infections you may have been exposed to. Any tick-borne pathogen is important to treat as soon as possible so that chronic infection doesn’t set in, regardless of how the tick tests. TickReport and IGeneX offer reliable tick testing. Keep in mind that a tick-testing positive is not a guarantee of infection. If you don’t wish to test the tick, place it in a piece of tape and throw it away—preferably outside of the home.

Worth Pondering…

I know runners who have suffered a tick bite and ended up with Lyme disease. I’ll take an angry moose any day.

—Don Kardong