Hiking, trail walks, or just spending time close to nature are common summer activities that can seem relatively low-risk. But thanks to ticks, those outings are becoming increasingly risky.
Ticks have become known, in recent years, for transmitting Lyme disease, which is a bacterial infection that can sometimes be successfully treated with antibiotics.
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But now it appears that a new virus, called the Heartland virus, which has no treatment and is potentially fatal, is also being carried and transmitted to humans by ticks.
The Heartland virus was initially discovered in 2009 in Missouri, and has been found in parts of the Southeast and Midwest. It is spread by the lone star tick. Recently, however, a different version of the virus was discovered in Georgia, indicating that it is mutating.
Currently, there are no ways to test for or treat the virus. As millions set to take to the outdoors this season, it could create some concern.
Since its discovery, there have been more than 50 cases of the virus. And as of last year, it’s been found in Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, according to the CDC.
Its spread may be due to climate change, which has enabled the tick to spread into new regions.
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Lone star ticks are so small that you may not even notice one landing on or biting you. They get their name from the small white dot they carry on their backs.
Symptoms of the Heartland virus include fever, fatigue, decreased appetite, headache, nausea, diarrhea, muscle, and joint pain. It may also affect blood counts and liver function, and symptoms can take up to two weeks to appear.
You can still enjoy the outdoors and protect yourself from tick bites by:
- Knowing the environments where ticks dwell: they mostly live in grassy, bushy, or wooded areas.
- Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5 percent permethrin.
- Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, para-methane-diol (PMD), or 2-Undecanone.
- Stay covered and check clothing after being outdoors in the woods or fields
- To kill ticks on dry clothing, tumble dry on high heat for 10 minutes
- Check pets and gear for ticks
- Check your whole body
- Shower after being outdoors
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
