How Global Warming Fuels Lyme Disease

Every year from 2010 to 2018, Lyme disease affected over 475,000 Americans.

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Blacklegged ticks, which carry the Lyme disease bacteria, thrive in warm, wet conditions, specifically in temperatures above 45˚F and in areas with at least 85% humidity.

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Due to the climate crisis, ticks are moving into new areas, appearing earlier, and staying active for longer.

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Lyme disease has reached as far north as Norway and the Arctic.

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Climate change and Lyme disease

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Climate change is reshaping our seasons, making summers and springs longer and hotter. This shift creates a perfect playground for ticks to thrive.

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As a result, ticks are venturing into new territories, including parts of Canada where they couldn't survive earlier.

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On the flip side, rising temperatures are making some existing tick territories less hospitable. For instance, ticks dehydrate and die in extreme dryness, which can result from droughts caused by rising temperatures.

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California is a great example of how climate change is affecting Lyme disease ticks. The state has been experiencing a mix of heat waves, droughts, and floods due to climate change.

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This has created an environment that is not suitable for Lyme disease ticks, leading to their absence in the state.

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In some other areas, the lack of snow cover, which ticks need for insulation during the winter, is becoming a survival challenge for them.

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So, in a way, the climate crisis is a double-edged sword for ticks.

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Preventing Lyme Disease

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You can outsmart ticks and prevent Lyme disease with some simple steps. Before you head out for a walk in the woods, especially during the tick weather, spray on some insect repellant and tuck your pants into your socks.

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After you get back from your walk, give yourself (and your pets) a thorough check. It’s effective to shower and remove any ticks during this time, as they need to be attached for a couple of days before they can transmit the disease.

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Watch out for Lyme disease symptoms like fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a specific rash that looks like a bullseye. If you notice any, start a 2-4 week course of oral antibiotics.

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The global tick population increase can impact your furry friends too. If your dog starts limping, has swollen lymph nodes, or joint swelling, seems more tired than usual, or isn't eating much, it's time to visit the vet. They could be showing signs of Lyme disease, and you'll want to confirm and start treatment as soon as possible.

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