蜱传疾病呈上升趋势

在美国，蜱传疾病一直在稳步上升，其中莱姆病是最常见的。

每年因受感染蜱虫叮咬而患病的美国人数量超过 加倍 根据美国疾病控制与预防中心的数据，2004 年至 2016 年是可用数据的最新一年。

莱姆病是由细菌引起的 伯氏疏螺旋体 and is transmitted to people through the bite of infected black-legged ticks.  If left untreated, infection can spread to the heart, the nervous system and joints, potentially causing more serious issues, said Dr. David Schwartz, Chair of Infectious Diseases at Cook County Health.

“然而，如果及早发现，抗生素对大多数人来说通常可以有效治疗莱姆病，”施瓦茨博士说。

Symptoms—which can include fever, chills, headache or a rash that resembles a red bull’s-eye—usually appear within a week after a tick has bitten you.

“Black-legged ticks, or deer ticks as they’re also called, typically need to be attached to someone for at least 24 hours before they can transmit Lyme disease,” Dr. Schwartz said.  “If you find a tick on you, you should carefully remove it with fine-tipped tweezers.  Then seek medical attention.”

蜱虫在温暖的月份尤其常见，通常出现在茂密的森林地区。

但施瓦茨博士指出，“在花园和其他可以看到白尾鹿的地方也可以找到蜱虫，因为鹿通常是成年黑腿蜱虫的主要宿主。”

To stay safe, it’s recommended that you check for ticks if you’ve been walking or hiking in the woods or if you’ve been in an area of high grass.  You should also wear light-colored clothing to make a tick easier to spot and wear long sleeves and long pants that can be tucked into your shoes.

此外，您还应该在皮肤和衣服上喷洒驱虫剂，例如避蚊胺或氯菊酯。