As summer heats up, health experts are warning residents of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia about the growing threat of Babesiosis, a bloodborne disease transmitted by the black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick or Ixodes scapularis. This tick, notorious for spreading Lyme disease, carries the Babesia parasite, which attacks red blood cells, potentially causing severe anemia, organ failure, or death, particularly in older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
A study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology reports that deer ticks, once primarily confined to the Northeast, are now widespread in the mid-Atlantic, thriving in temperatures above 40 degrees and high humidity. “Don’t go sit down under a tree. They’re down in the leaf litter. They don’t fall from trees. They crawl up your body very quickly from the ground,” said Ellen Stromdahl, a retired U.S. Army entomologist. She emphasized that ticks target humans and pets for blood meals, with newly hatched ticks being especially aggressive.
The U.S. Army’s MilTICK program, led by Dr. Robyn Nadolny, has seen a surge in tick submissions, receiving 80 ticks in a single day through its free testing service for Department of Defense personnel and beneficiaries. The program identifies ticks and screens for diseases, providing critical data for tracking threats like Babesiosis. Nadolny noted the emergence of other tick species, including the Gulf Coast tick, linked to Tidewater Spotted Fever in Virginia’s Hampton Roads region, and the invasive Asian Longhorned tick, now established in Maryland and Virginia, though its disease transmission risks remain under study.
Ticks latch onto skin with barbed, straw-like mouths and gluey saliva, feeding for three to four days before dropping off. Early removal is crucial to reduce infection risk. “Take a pair of tweezers, get as close to the skin, and pull the tick out. Store it in the freezer inside a ziplock bag marked with the date,” advised Nadolny. Symptoms of Babesiosis, resembling flu-like conditions, may not appear for weeks and can lead to jaundice or hospitalization.
Stromdahl shared, “Online guidance about Babesiosis, probably up until right now, informs providers that it’s pretty rare in Virginia, in Maryland. So, it snuck up on people. If symptoms appear two or three weeks later, you can make sure your doctor takes note of that, because with my friend who was cured, it took a while before the doctors ever inquired if he’d had a tick bite.”
To protect against ticks, experts recommend using EPA-registered repellents like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, the latter two being gentler on sensitive skin. Avoiding tick-prone areas, such as leaf litter under trees, and checking for ticks after outdoor activities are also advised. Pet owners should inspect animals, as ticks can hitch rides into homes. If symptoms arise, presenting a preserved tick to a doctor can aid diagnosis, especially since Babesiosis is often overlooked in the region.
The MilTICK program’s data collection highlights the expanding range of deer ticks, driven by climate factors and habitat changes. In Virginia, the Gulf Coast tick’s spread has introduced new health concerns, while the Asian Longhorned tick’s presence raises questions about potential diseases. Maryland’s tick surveillance, supported by state health agencies, continues to monitor these shifts, with public reporting encouraged through MilTICK or local health departments.
Awareness remains critical, as delayed diagnosis can worsen outcomes. Stromdahl stressed informing doctors of possible tick bites, noting that Babesiosis cases have caught medical providers off guard in Maryland and Virginia. With tick season in full swing, residents are urged to stay vigilant, use repellents, and act swiftly if ticks are found to mitigate the risks of this emerging threat.
