Tickborne Diseases on the Rise Across the United States

Why it matters locally: Pennsylvania is considered a high-risk state for Lyme disease and other tickborne illnesses, making the national rise in cases a significant concern for public health officials and residents. The expanding geographic range of ticks and the discovery of new pathogens could further exacerbate the existing challenges in preventing and treating these diseases within the state.

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Reported cases of tickborne diseases are increasing in the United States, posing a growing health concern. This trend is attributed to several factors, including the discovery of new pathogens and the expanding geographic range of various tick species. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted a rise in the number of reported tickborne illnesses nationwide. This data reflects not only an increased incidence of known diseases, but also the detection of illnesses caused by newly identified germs carried by ticks. One contributing factor is the expanding habitat range of ticks. Several species are now found in regions where they were previously uncommon. This expansion increases the potential for human contact with ticks and, consequently, the transmission of tickborne pathogens. In addition to the expansion of existing tick species, a novel tick species has also been identified within the United States. The specific details of this novel species, including the diseases it may carry, are under ongoing investigation by public health officials and researchers.