Tick season is here and it's worse than last year

This summer marks a notable increase in tick activity, with densities rising by 20% to 30% from the previous year, as reported by San Francisco State University biology professor Andrea Swei. Nymph ticks, which transmit diseases more effectively than adults, contribute significantly to this rise. The Bay Area Lyme Foundation also notes increased tick presence in chaparral regions and parks, indicating a broader range of habitats where ticks are found. Swei identifies the Western black-legged tick as a primary vector of Lyme disease along the West Coast, with its life cycle spanning three years. A 2021 study revealed that Lyme-carrying ticks inhabit beach areas at rates comparable to woodland habitats in parts of northwestern California.

Preventative measures include wearing light-colored clothing for visibility and treating gear with permethrin, as advised by the CDC. Early Lyme disease cases are often treatable with antibiotics, but late-stage cases can lead to severe complications, including paralysis and neurological issues. Pfizer is currently developing the first new Lyme vaccine in over two decades, reflecting ongoing efforts to combat this rising health threat.