Houston Methodist prepares for next pandemic as part of national NIH-funded consortium

The question isn’t if, but when, the next pandemic will hit. Research and observation have identified strong potential for the next pandemic-causing virus to come from one or more of five different virus families.

Halting the Dangerous Neurological Effects of the Powassan Virus

While Lyme disease is the most prevalent tick-borne disease in the United States, other infections transmitted through tick bites are just as dangerous. One of these is the Powassan virus (POWV). Erich Mackow, PhD, a virologist at Stony Brook University, is conducting research in an attempt to uncover one the most dangerous effects of POWV – neurologic damage.

Taking a hike? Remember, it’s deer tick season

KINGSTON, R.I. – Sept. 30, 2022 – If you’re a hiker or just love the outdoors, fall is probably your favorite season. Temperatures are cooler but still warm enough, days are still long, and for the most part, bugs are less of a pest.But as you get ready to head out, University of Rhode Island entomologist Tom Mather wants you to know something: This is also the season for adult blacklegged ticks, or deer ticks.

Hiking Safety for Kids: Expert Tips

As you’re enjoying the early fall weather and outdoor adventures, like hiking, don’t forget to make safety a priority to help keep illness and injuries from spoiling family fun time. Jeffrey M. Bender, MD, attending physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and former ranger in the Sierra Mountains, points out tips on how to prevent bug bites, proper animal interaction and empowering kids to explore the outdoors in a safe and smart way.

Health, safety tips for summer activities: IU experts available to comment

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, many people have plans to enjoy outdoor activities in the warmer weather. And while we have vaccines to protect against COVID-19, there are other safety measures to keep in mind while having fun in the…

Health Status of Vulnerable Gopher Tortoises Revealed in Southeastern Florida

In previously unstudied gopher tortoise aggregations, researchers found that overall, 42.9 percent had circulating antibodies to an infectious bacterium that causes upper respiratory tract disease. Physical examination showed that 19.8 percent had clinical signs consistent with upper respiratory tract disease and 13.2 percent had some form of physical abnormality. None of the tortoises tested positive for Ranavirus or Herpesvirus, which represents important baseline data, since these viruses are thought to be emerging pathogens of other tortoise and turtle species.

Bat Tick Found for the First Time in New Jersey

A tick species associated with bats has been reported for the first time in New Jersey and could pose health risks to people, pets and livestock, according to a Rutgers-led study in the Journal of Medical Entomology. This species (Carios kelleyi) is a “soft” tick. Deer ticks, which carry Lyme disease, are an example of “hard” ticks.

Where Did the Asian Longhorned Ticks in the U.S. Come From?

The invasive population of Asian longhorned ticks in the United States likely began with three or more self-cloning females from northeastern Asia, according to a Rutgers-led study. Asian longhorned ticks outside the U.S. can carry debilitating diseases. In the United States and elsewhere they can threaten livestock and pets. The new study, published in the journal Zoonoses and Public Health, sheds new light on the origin of these exotic ticks and how they are spreading across the United States.

Dangerous Tick-Borne Bacterium Extremely Rare in New Jersey

There’s some good news in New Jersey about a potentially deadly tick-borne bacterium. Rutgers researchers examined more than 3,000 ticks in the Garden State and found only one carrying Rickettsia rickettsii, the bacterium that causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever. But cases of tick-borne spotted fevers have increased east of the Mississippi River, and more research is needed to understand why, according to a study in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

Rutgers Extension Agent Can Discuss How to Protect Against Ticks, Lyme Disease

New Brunswick, N.J. (June 15, 2020) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick Professor Amy Rowe is available for interviews on how to protect you and your family from ticks and Lyme disease, including how to reduce tick habitat around your home. “Right now…

Rutgers Cooperative Extension Offers “Earth Day at Home” Webinar Series

New Brunswick, N.J. (April 16, 2020) – In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, Rutgers Cooperative Extension will offer an “Earth Day at Home” webinar series. The webinars, on Mondays from April 20 to June…

Former advisor to the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Program available to talk about recent EPA decisions on pesticides

In the wake of the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent release of interim decisions on glyphosate and neonicotinoids, chemicals used in agriculture that have been linked to adverse effects, Former advisor to the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Program and Clinical Professor…

Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)

Public Comment Period for IDSA/AAN/ACR Draft Lyme Disease Guidelines Open Through Aug. 10

The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) have opened a public comment period for the draft of their joint guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Lyme disease.…