Tick Invasion in the Southeast: Unveiling the Alarming New Behavior of Ticks in South Carolina
In the southeastern United States, environmental changes such as climate change and shifts in host availability are driving tick populations to spread into new territories. As these populations migrate, an alarming behavior known as incomplete feeding has been observed. This behavior involves ticks feeding on more than one host at each life stage, significantly increasing the risk of pathogen transmission.
The Rising Menace: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Expands its Reach
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), a severe tick-borne illness, is not just a local health issue but a growing concern across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. This disease, caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, is transmitted by the brown dog tick and can lead to fatal outcomes if not treated promptly with antibiotics. The resurgence of RMSF highlights significant public health challenges, intertwining human and animal health and underscoring the need for a comprehensive One Health approach.