Invasive longhorned tick responsible for deadly human viruses in Asia found for the first time in New York City…(Oh Great…)
Longhorned ticks spread a potentially deadly virus called severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) to humans in Asia
The first in the United States was found last summer in New Jersey
Since then the ticks have been spotted in suburban New York and in states including Arkansas, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia
Now, they are in New York City, officials have announced
DAILYMAIL.COM
8 August 2018
An invasive tick species native to Asia that’s been spreading across the eastern United States has been found for the first time in New York City.
The city health department announced Wednesday that the longhorned tick has been spotted in the borough of Staten Island.
The tick is primarily known for transmitting disease to livestock and wild animals, and has not been linked to human diseases in the United States.
However, it’s been known to spread a potentially deadly virus called severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) to humans in Asia.
Every year ticks start to emerge in May, June and July, bringing with them an increased risk of tick-borne diseases.
The first longhorned tick in the United States was found last summer in New Jersey.
Since then the ticks have been spotted in suburban New York and in states including Arkansas, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.
The chief concern with the longhorned ticks is SFTS.
SFTS has never before been reported in North America, but the longhorned tick could change that.
SFTS causes severe fever and low blood platelet counts that can be fatal
Symptoms include fatigue, chills, headache, nausea, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
The Rest…HERE
