Maryland Faces Surge in Tick-Borne Diseases Amid Rising Temperatures
Maryland is experiencing a significant increase in tick-borne diseases, with emergency department visits for tick bites up by more than 25% from the previous year. This rise is attributed to climate change and warmer temperatures, which have expanded tick habitats. Lyme disease remains the most common tick-borne illness, with over 89,000 cases reported to the CDC in 2023. Maryland alone reported 2,463 cases in 2023, a number that exceeded 3,000 in 2024. Experts from Johns Hopkins University highlight the need for better diagnostic tools and awareness of emerging conditions like alpha-gal syndrome, which can cause allergic reactions to red meat. The state health department is actively raising awareness about tick-borne diseases and encouraging preventive measures.