專家警告本季蜱蟲傳播疾病的風險升高
Experts Warn of Increased Risk of Tick-Borne Illnesses This Season
專家警告，2026年的蜱蟲季將成為史上最嚴峻的時期之一。
Experts are warning that the 2026 tick season is set to be one of the most challenging on record.
由於氣候變遷與暖冬的影響，蜱蟲數量激增，並擴散至過去被視為安全的地區。
Due to climate change and milder winters, tick populations are surging and expanding into new, previously safe territories.
郊區開發進一步將人類推向蜱蟲的棲息地，使人們在公園與自家後院遇到這些寄生蟲的風險增加。
Suburban growth has further pushed humans into closer contact with tick habitats, increasing the risk of encountering these parasites in local parks and residential backyards.
其中一項重大的醫療隱憂是合併感染比率上升，意即蜱蟲攜帶多種病原體，這使得萊姆病、巴貝氏蟲症及罕見的α-半乳糖苷酶症候群等疾病在診斷上更為複雜。
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.
從事戶外活動時，請穿著長袖衣物，將褲管塞入襪子，並使用美國環保署認證的驅蟲劑。
When heading outdoors, wear long-sleeved clothing, tuck your pants into your socks, and use EPA-registered repellents.
返家後請徹底檢查身體是否有蜱蟲並立即淋浴。
After returning home, conduct a thorough tick check and shower promptly.
若發現有蜱蟲附著，請使用尖頭鑷子小心將其移除。
If you find an attached tick, use fine-tipped tweezers to remove it carefully.
