New tick and mosquito diseases make their way into the area

Ticks come in a variety of types, sizes and carry
more disease that any other insect

In the United States, ticks are responsible for more human disease than any other insect. Ironically, the mosquito isn't far behind. Even more ironic, both have introduced new complications for humans in recent times.

Let's talk about ticks first. It's annoying enough to find one crawling on your body...even if you don't find another one, you're bound to wait in anticipation that the next tingle you feel is another tick. And it wouldn't be so bad IF they didn't make you sick. As we all know, Lyme Disease, a bacteria based illness can cause fever, headache, fatigue, heart problems, joint/tissue problems and much more if not treated.

As fate would have it, a new tick strain called the Heartland Virus, discovered in 2012, has very similar symptoms- fever, feeling tired, headaches, muscle aches and more. As of March this year (and more confirmed cases are expected to surface) there were 8 cases of people infected with the Heartland Virus in Missouri. Out of that group, one death was reported. One additional death was recently reported in Kansas as well.

The ever annoying and sometimes 'sickening' mosquito

Who is a risk for the Heartland Virus? Basically anyone who spends time outside. More at risk, says the CDC, are people who are already considered 'high risk', such as heart patients, elderly, children, etc.

Our next door neighbors in Kansas are reporting on a new virus carried by mosquitoes that comes with many of the symptoms as the tick diseases- fever, headaches, joint swelling and a rash. The new mosquito strain is called the Chikungunya virus, which is thought to have originated in the Caribbean.

 At point, there have been no confirmed cases of someone dying from the Chikungunya virus.

Amiee Rosenow with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment says prevention is the best bet. "We definitely want people to be aware that you know this could potentially be an issue this year and they need to protect themselves.” She went on to offer the advice that if you have symptoms, see your doctor immediately and urge him/her to check for tick and mosquito related illnesses.

What can I do to avoid these illnesses? Use insect repellent with DEET. Dump any standing water around your property such as buckets, barrels or anything with standing water in it. Wear long sleeves and pants when outside. And yes, it's true- mosquitoes are more attracted to DARK clothing.

The CDC has compiled a very educational web page regarding tick and mosquito borne diseases that can be seen here.