Disease spread by ticks hit record in U.S.

New government research shows that tickborne diseases like Lyme disease continue to rise. The report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that in 2017, the state of health is reported.

Cases of Lyme disease, Powassan virus; spotted fever rickettsiosis, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis and tularemia all increased last year. The CDC said there were 59,349 confirmed cases of tickborne diseases in 2017, up from 48,610 in 2016.

The findings reflect an accelerating trend of tick-related diseases reported in the U.S. between 2004 and 2016, the number of such cases doubled. Researchers also discovered seven new tickborne pathogens that infect people.

What's behind the increase?

Scientists say the reason for surge in tickborne diseases is unclear. However, a number of factors are likely at play.

After another CDC report published this year caused by mosquito, tick, and flea bites have tripled in the United States over the last 13 years, experts noted that host populations play an important role.

For example, an increase in populations in residential areas can also increase rates of depression, which can lead to more people being infected with Lyme disease and other infections. This has been a growing problem in many communities as suburban development moves into formerly rural areas.

Scientists also warned about the impact of climate change in spreading ticks and the diseases they carry to wider areas.

prevent tick bites and to control the ticks and the diseases they spread.

In the meantime, health experts recommend the following steps to help protect yourself and your family from ticks:

• Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter; walk in the center of trails.

• Use repellents that contain 20 to 30 percent.

• Use products that contain, such as boots, pants, socks and tents.

• Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours)

• Conduct a full-body tick check using a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body on return from tick-infested areas.

• Examine clothing, gear, and farts for ticks.