Ticks and Lyme disease: Rising numbers, how to stay safe, and new research
Newswise — As warmer temperatures bring more people outdoors—and more ticks into contact with humans—the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health will host an expert briefing for the media about ticks and the growing threat of Lyme and other tickborne diseases.
The briefing will be held via Zoom at 9 a.m. EDT on Thursday, May 29.
Lyme disease is on the rise in the U.S., according to the CDC, mainly in the Northeast, Upper Midwest, and parts of the West. In 2023, state health departments reported more than 89,000 cases of Lyme disease in humans to the CDC, but the actual number of cases is likely much higher due to underreporting and misdiagnosis.
If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to serious complications affecting the heart, joints, and nervous system. Other tickborne illnesses are also of concern, including Powassan virus and Heartland virus. There is currently no vaccine against tickborne illnesses.
The experts, Nicole Baumgarth, DVM, PhD, and Thomas Hart, PhD, will discuss:
- Why tickborne illnesses are increasing
- The symptoms and outcomes of the illnesses
- How people can protect themselves
- The latest research
- Current status of vaccine development
Experts:
Registration required: Please register here by noon on May 28 to receive the Zoom link and password for the briefing. Questions for the experts may be submitted via the registration form in advance or via chat during the briefing.
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