New Tick Worries: New Bacterial Infection Present In Northeast

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By Rachel Derry
Staff Writer LIFamilies

Just when you thought that it couldn't be any more dangerous stepping out into the world, researchers have found an all new disease; carried by the deer tick; for individuals living in the Northeast to worry about. This new bacterial infection, known as Borrelia miyamotoi, has been around for decades, but was believed not to infect humans up until a Russian study last year. Now, going back through recorded incidents of Lyme-like symptoms in the past years, the new bacterial infection is showing up present in 1 to 3% of just those known patients.

Last year, a Russian study was held, finding the bacteria present in 46 sick individuals, many complaining of fatigue and relapsing fevers. The infection is said to have flu like symptoms, and likely to be one of the main culprits behind the cases in which Lyme symptoms were present but tests come back negative. Just like with watching for Lyme disease, individuals should watch for achy/sore muscles, fevers, and fatigue.

The new infection is very treatable, and doesn't have any known lasting effects. Having more mild effects than Lyme disease, even individuals in the study not given antibiotics showed no continued effects after the set amount of time. The bacterial infection can be diagnosed with simple blood tests, and can be treated with rounds of antibiotics.

As you already were, be sure to check yourself and loved ones for ticks after being outdoors, especially checking for the pin-sized deer ticks known to spread the 5 known human illnesses in the Northeast. If you feel yourself being bitten but can't find the tick, or if you find a bite mark later, be sure to consult with your physician, and be sure to make an appointment if you start to feel uncharacteristically fatigued or flu-like symptoms.

Long Island Safety Articles > New Tick Worries: New Bacterial Infection Present In Northeast