Deadly bugs

[phkrause]

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

The threat from mosquitos, ticks and other bugs is growing — as evidenced by near-daily headlines about the spread of rare, potentially deadly insect-borne diseases. The death of a New Hampshire resident from a mosquito-borne disease known as EEE highlighted danger that's becoming increasingly common, Axios' Alison Snyder and Tina Reed explain. ⚠️ Threat level: In addition to EEE, the CDC also warned this summer about an increased risk of dengue fever, which is spread by the same type of mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus and chikungunya. West Nile Virus — which recently hospitalized Dr. Anthony Fauci — has become a perennial threat throughout much of the continental U.S. Malaria is on the rise around the world. Several cases were reported in the U.S. last year, though the risk of catching it here remains low. ? What's happening: Global warming is "changing where mosquitoes and ticks live, and thus what diseases are moving around in different regions," CDC director Mandy Cohen said yesterday. Rising temperatures have made much of the U.S. far more hospitable to insects. More travel and globalization — and proliferation of trash like used tires and old plastic — are also contributing. Go deeper: EEE, West Nile, malaria ...

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How Tick Experts Protect Themselves Against Ticks

June 27, 2025 — Growing up in the rural Midwest, I had a tick routine after walking in the woods: Shower, scrub my scalp, and feel for ticks. Pluck any I found — a regular occurrence — with tweezers. No problem and no symptoms.

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20250627/how-tick-experts-protect-themselves?