Rare Tick Borne Disease Appears In Onondaga And Oswego Counties

Syracuse, N.Y. - Onondaga County Health Department says they're seeing a rise in cases of a rare tick-borne disease, anaplasmosis.

The county has reported six cases of "anaplasmosis" so far this year. Until now they had only seen 3 in 5 years.

Oswego County says they too have a case of the disease.

It's usually spread by the black-legged tick, which is the same type of tick that spreads Lyme disease. Typical symptoms are fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people take these steps to help prevent tick bites:

  • Wear repellent. Apply Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone, and follow the product instructions for application before you go out.
  • Avoid tall grasses and bushy, wooded areas when you are out.
  • Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin.
  • Check for ticks daily. Check yourself, your children, and your pets after returning from outdoor activities. The longer a tick is attached, the higher the risk of getting Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses.
  • Shower soon after being outdoors.

Photo: Getty Images

(Getty Images)


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