School is out, the sun is shining, and summer vacation time is in full swing. Unfortunately, that means ticks are in business too.
Mississippi State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney says certain tick bites can present serious risks – especially after long exposure to one of the arachnids.
“It’s been around for a long time but is better understood now,” Dr. Edney said, pointing to expanded research on conditions like Alpha-gal syndrome, which causes allergies to certain meats after a tick bite. “Tick bites are really dangerous in a lot of ways. Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever – we have many tick-borne diseases.”
According to CDC data from 2019 to 2022, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is the most common tick-derived illness in Mississippi, while Lyme disease is next with about half as many cases.
The numbers also show that Mississippi has far fewer cases than surrounding states, with the bulk of illnesses concentrated in the northeastern U.S.
Edney recommended twice daily tick checks for children going outside for long periods of time this summer, once in the morning and once in the evening. Tick bites are common, but medical professionals advise keeping a close eye on the appearance of rashes.
If a tick is enlarged and appears to have been attached for longer than a few hours, and especially if a rash similar to a bullseye target surrounds the problem area, medical attention should immediately be sought.
But Edney also says that the risk of disease, from ticks, mosquitoes, or otherwise, shouldn’t dissuade people from enjoying all that the Mississippi outdoors has to offer.
“It’s part of being a kid in Mississippi,” Edney explained. “Let them play, but let them play safely. I’m more worried about them getting dehydrated than the tick bites. But do pay attention to it.”
Mississippi Department of Health officials also urge residents to be wary of the risks of West Nile Virus, which can be transmitted through mosquitoes, along with sick or dead birds.
Learn more about staying safe this summer here.
