Experts Warn of Increased Risk of Tick-Borne Illnesses This Season

Due to climate change and milder winters, tick populations are surging and expanding into new, previously safe territories.

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A significant medical concern is the rising rate of co-infection, where ticks carry multiple pathogens, complicating diagnosis for illnesses like Lyme disease, babesiosis, and the rare Alpha-gal syndrome.

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otherAlpha-gal syndrome

When heading outdoors, wear long-sleeved clothing, tuck your pants into your socks, and use EPA-registered repellents.

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Comprehension Questions

Why is the 2026 tick season expected to be particularly severe?

A massive increase in rainfall and flooding across the country.

A sudden migration of tick species from tropical regions.

Warmer temperatures and milder winters have allowed ticks to reproduce and stay active for longer periods.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

Warmer temperatures and milder winters have allowed ticks to reproduce and stay active for longer periods.

What is a major complication mentioned regarding tick-borne illnesses?

Many ticks are now carrying multiple pathogens simultaneously, which makes diagnosis and treatment more difficult.

Most tick-borne illnesses now require immediate surgery for recovery.

Ticks have become resistant to all forms of commercial insect repellents.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

Many ticks are now carrying multiple pathogens simultaneously, which makes diagnosis and treatment more difficult.

Which of the following is recommended for tick prevention?

Applying heavy layers of sunscreen to repel ticks on the skin.

Avoiding all outdoor activities entirely until the winter season begins.

Wearing long-sleeved clothing and using EPA-registered insect repellents.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

Wearing long-sleeved clothing and using EPA-registered insect repellents.

What should you do if you find a tick attached to your skin?

Burn the tick with a match to ensure it dies before removal.

Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward with steady pressure.

Wait for it to detach naturally to avoid causing an infection.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward with steady pressure.

Why has the geographical reach of ticks expanded?

Climate change and suburban development have pushed ticks into new territories and closer to human populations.

Humans are intentionally transporting ticks to new forest areas.

The natural predators of ticks have completely disappeared from the ecosystem.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

Climate change and suburban development have pushed ticks into new territories and closer to human populations.

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