Deer Tick Research in Danbury Not Looking Good, Highest Numbers in Years
Ticks, they sure are are nasty suckers!
Thankfully, I've never been bitten by a tick, though I think that's only by luck, because they sure are everywhere. A good friend of mine was bitten while mowing about two weeks ago, and I'm pretty sure most of us know someone with Lyme Disease. I'm thinking it's only a matter of time before nearly all of us find one of these suckers on us.
In a story from nbcconnecticut.com, local researchers say it's pretty bad out there. It turns out that we have a lab right here in Danbury that monitors all things related to these nasty bugs.
Researchers at Western Connecticut State University have reported the highest numbers of deer ticks since they started keeping track of the deer tick population locally since 2011.
The Tickborne Disease Prevention Laboratory annually monitors deer tick populations on a weekly basis, at sites in Danbury, Ridgefield and Newtown. They do it from May through August, and it doesn't look good.
According to nbcconnecticut.com, weekly samples taken since this May have seen levels consistently higher than 2012 through 2016, and the worse news is that they are getting close to levels reported in 2011, which is the highest year on record so far.
Dr. Neeta Connally, director of the lab at WCSU had this to say to nbcconnecticut.com
While we are seeing an especially high number of ticks this season, it’s important to remember that in our region, every year is a risky year for Lyme disease and other tick-associated infections. Residents should always be vigilant in protecting themselves from tick bites
Actually, I think being protected with a lot of information is a great thing. Dr. Connally contributed to a website about all things Lyme Disease related. The site is a great tool and you can check it out at lymeconnection.org.