Tick-borne diseases are on the rise. Here is what you need to know.



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There are new concerns about previously rare types of products tick-borne diseases seen more often in the United States. The blacklegged tick, for example, spreads not only Lyme disease but can also transmit a serious virus called powassan, which could have killed one man and sickened another in New Jersey.

Dr. David Agus of CBS News told "CBS This Morning" that climate change was in part behind the rise in ticks in parts of the United States where they traditionally meet.

"The weather is changing, the climate is changing and there are more mice, there is more food for ticks," he said. "As reforestation occurs and climate change happens, different parts of the country are getting more and more."

Although there were about 60,000 cases of tick-borne diseases reported last year, Agus estimates that the actual number of cases is probably over 300,000.

Wear clothes to avoid tick-borne diseases when you spend time outdoors insect repellent at DEET, Tuck your pants into your socks, avoid tall grass, take a shower immediately after being outside and have your body checked by someone. If you get one though, time is running out, Agus warned.

"Take a straight forceps, get out right and put the tick in alcohol.The faster you'll remove it better because it takes time before it can eject saliva into you. which contains the bacteria and the virus "he said.

Although most diseases such as Lyme disease can be treated, there have been two cases of Powassan virus reported in New Jersey. This is not treatable.

"Its death rate is 10% and 50% of people infected with this virus have permanent neurological lesions, so ask someone to look for ticks and remove them right afterwards. DEET. "

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