Thousands of people in West Virginia hit by ‘mysterious’ tick-borne illness suffered by Justin Bieber and Bella Hadid
Experts have sounded the alarm about the growing threat of tick-borne Lyme disease, as the number of cases increases as temperatures rise.
In West Virginia, a county health department has warned that the state is currently seeing hundreds of cases of the condition, up from a handful a few years ago.
Department manager Howard Gamble told the local population news broadcasts that patients should see a health care provider “if a tick has bitten you and embedded it in your skin.”
Statewide, cases reached 1,052 last year — and are expected to rise to similar levels this year. Just ten years ago there were barely 300 cases per year.
The map above shows where cases of Lyme disease were reported in the US in 2022
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium that is transmitted when a person is bitten by an infected tick that is common in grassy and wooded areas.
It initially causes a characteristic rash around the bite site, and without treatment it can lead to nerve damage, heart problems, fatigue and personality changes.
Doctors can treat the infection with antibiotics, but it can take months to diagnose if the early warning signs are missed.
The condition has attracted attention due to the large number of celebrities – including Justin Bieber and Bella Hadid who were both diagnosed with Lyme disease – likely after spending time in rural areas.
Experts say Lyme disease is mysterious because antibodies against the bacteria often cannot be detected until several weeks after infection, even if a person has symptoms.
It means that patients are often misdiagnosed and their symptoms remain unexplained.
Both Justin Bieber and Bella Hadid have opened up about their battles with Lyme disease
The number of infections in the US has increased every year since 2014, by almost 63,000 cases recorded in 2022 – because longer summers allow ticks to be active for longer.
Mr Gamble said the disease was becoming ‘endemic’ in more and more areas.
Official data from 2022 showed cases increased by 28 percent from the previous year.
Nationally, the largest outbreaks last year were recorded in Rhode Island, Vermont and Maine – with up to 212 cases per 100,000.
Massachusetts is also sounding the alarm over other tick-borne diseases on the rise, including the rare Powassan virus.
About 10 percent of people who contract the virus suffer severe neurological symptoms, including seizures, speech problems and paralysis.
It was first reported this year in the town of Sharon, Massachusetts, raising concerns.
Experts say ticks tend to be active from March to mid-May and from mid-August to November, but they warn that warmer weather increases during this period.
The creatures often hang out at the edge of the grass on footpaths, waiting for someone to pass by before taking hold.
In some cases, they may also drop from trees after sensing heat and activity below.
“They drop down to see what’s happening, they can get our legs very easily because they hang on low-lying grass, branches and so on,” Gamble said.
Experts say the best way to prevent a tick bite is to cover exposed skin with long-sleeved tops, pants and socks.
If you are bitten, grasp the tick by the head before removing it. Leaving the head can help prevent an infection.