Summer in New England is a welcome time – with warmer weather and longer days. However, we also see a rise in two common seasonal pests: ticks and mosquitoes. These insects can carry diseases that pose serious health risks.
So, here are some tips to help you stay safe and healthy all summer long.
What’s the Risk?
First, it’s important to know the potential risks associated with ticks and mosquitoes. These bugs can transmit illnesses through their bites, ranging from mild to severe, and symptoms may not appear right away.
Tick-Borne Diseases:
Ticks are most active from April through October. Here in New England, the most common tick-borne illnesses include:
- Lyme Disease – Caused by the bite of a deer tick. Symptoms can include fatigue, fever, headache, and a bullseye-shaped rash.
- Anaplasmosis – May present with fever, chills, muscle aches, and confusion.
- Babesiosis – A malaria-like infection with symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and anemia.
- Powassan Virus – Rare but serious, this virus can lead to neurological symptoms like confusion, seizures, and encephalitis.
Mosquito-Borne Illnesses:
Mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid conditions and are especially active at dawn and dusk. They can carry viruses such as:
- West Nile Virus – Most people have no symptoms, but some may experience fever, headache, body aches, or more serious neurological issues.
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) – A rare but dangerous disease that can cause swelling of the brain. Early symptoms include fever, stiff neck, and lethargy.
Protecting Yourself & Your Family
You don’t need to avoid the outdoors to stay safe. A few simple precautions can make a big difference.
- Personal Protection
- Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Wear long sleeves and pants when in wooded or grassy areas.
- Tuck your pants into your socks and your shirt into your pants when hiking or camping.
- After spending time outdoors, shower and do a full-body tick check – especially behind the knees, around the waist, and along the hairline.
- Around the Home
- Keep grass short and remove leaf litter where ticks can hide.
- Dump standing water (birdbaths, buckets, plant saucers) every few days to prevent mosquito breeding.
- Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep bugs out of your home.
When to See a Doctor:
If you’re bitten by a tick or mosquito and start to feel sick within a few days to weeks, it’s important to pay attention to your symptoms. Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms
- Rash, especially a bullseye pattern
- Severe headache or neck stiffness
- Muscle aches or fatigue that doesn’t improve
- Confusion, dizziness, or difficulty speaking
- Unexplained bruising
The sooner these illnesses are diagnosed, the better the outcomes, especially for diseases like Lyme and EEE. Kent Hospital’s emergency department and urgent care centers are here - 24/7 - close to home.
Disclaimer: The content in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and should not serve as medical advice, consultation, or diagnosis. If you have a medical concern, please consult your healthcare provider or seek immediate medical treatment.