Archive for the ‘Ticks’ Category

The Heartland Virus: How to Prevent, Diagnose, and Treat This Tick-Borne Illness

https://rawlsmd.com/health-articles/the-heartland-virus-how-to-prevent-diagnose-and-treat-this-tick-borne-illness?

The Heartland Virus: How to Prevent, Diagnose, and Treat This Tick-Borne Illness

by Jenny Menzel, H.C.
Posted 4/28/22

Ticks and Lyme disease have become almost synonymous with each other, and rightfully so. Borrelia burgdorferi, the primary bacteria that causes Lyme, is the most prevalent tick-borne disease (TBD) in the US. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests almost half a million new infections may occur every year.

But there are other deadly and disabling infections from ticks residing in the US that we need to beware of — some of them are newly discovered roughly within the last decade.

Among the 18 known TBDs in the nation is the Heartland virus — an illness that can only be treated with supportive therapy. “Just because it’s newly recognized, though, doesn’t mean it’s entirely new,” reminds Dr. Bill Rawls, MD, Medical Director of RawlsMD and Vital Plan. “All ticks carry a wide variety of different microbes. As our ability to test for microbes improves, finding new ones is inevitable. However, a newly discovered microbe doesn’t mean that the microbe hasn’t been infecting people for a long time.”

With the Heartland virus making frequent news headlines, it’s important to know the facts of what this tick-borne virus is — and what it isn’t. Here, we’ll look at where the Heartland virus comes from, signs of infection, testing options, and ways to bolster your body’s efforts to combat it.

An Overview of the Heartland Virus

The Heartland virus (HRTV) is a ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus in the Phenuiviridae family known to infect humans through the bite of an infected tick — specifically the Lone Star tick, an aggressive biter that infects birds, coyotes, white-tailed deer, small rodents, and humans.

Close up of lone star or seed tick in macro on a male finger isolated on white

Since its 2009 discovery, there have been 50 reported cases of HRTV in humans, but this virus might not be as rare as the numbers imply. Because symptoms can be mild and mimic other TBDs like ehrlichia and anaplasma, health officials believe many cases go unreported or undiagnosed. In fact, a 2019 CDC blood bank study indicated that 1 percent of the donor samples already contained HRTV antibodies, suggesting the potential exposure to HRTV may be more widespread than the actual reported cases show.

Additionally, the CDC doesn’t consider HRTV to be a “notifiable disease,” meaning states don’t need to report annual cases. However, they recommend states inform them of the potential incidences of the virus on a “voluntary basis.”

Where is the Heartland Virus Found?

First discovered in northwest Missouri and most recently in Georgia, human infection from HRTV has been documented in these twelve Midwest, Southern, and Northeastern states:

  • Arkansas
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Missouri
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Oklahoma
  • Tennessee

Residents of and visitors to these areas are considered to be at higher risk of contracting HRTV.

US map with red covering the east half of the country

It remains unclear whether other ticks can consistently carry and transmit the virus. However, one study showed that a single Asian longhorned tick — an increasing tick species originating from Asia — infected HRTV in 80% of the mice used in the study, making a compelling case for the likelihood that more tick species may be capable of spreading the virus as well.

As new statistics surface about this tick-borne virus, it’s important to know the signs of infection. Keep a lookout for these easy-to-miss symptoms caused by the HRTV:

Symptoms of the Heartland Virus

Symptoms of HRTV can take up to two weeks to appear and range from mild to life-threatening. The most common symptoms of HRTV include:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Joint pain
  • Muscle aches
  • Easy bruising
  • Low white blood cells (leukopenia)
  • Low blood platelets (thrombocytopenia)
  • High liver enzymes

Although many of these symptoms likely sound like several tick-borne infections, what sets the Heartland virus apart is its ability to weaken the body’s immune response and hinder blood clotting — causing slow-to-heal wounds, easy bruising, bleeding gums, and blood in the urine or stool.

Instead of a visible skin rash like other tick-borne infections can bestow (if you’re lucky), HRTV can cause thrombocytopenia — superficial bleeding into the skin that causes a rash-like appearance. These reddish-purple spots called petechiae (puh·tee·kee·uh) tend to show up on the lower legs.

HRTV symptoms also bear a striking similarity to an emerging, potentially fatal virus in China and other Southeast Asian countries called severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) caused by Asian longhorned ticks. But as of today, there are no known cases of SFTS in the US.

Diagnosing the Heartland Virus

“Research on newly discovered viruses is limited, making diagnosis a challenge, especially when mild symptoms easily mimic other viral and tick-borne infections,” explains Dr. Rawls. Of course, finding an embedded tick before the onset of illness is ideal for diagnosing and treating any TBD accurately. But because ticks can painlessly attach themselves to the skin and are only between 1.5 to 2.5 mm in size, it can be hard to notice you’ve been bitten by one.

At present, there are no commercially available tests — like the Western blot used for Lyme disease testing — in the US to detect HRTV. Patients with a suspected tick bite who have the above symptoms that haven’t resolved with the antibiotic doxycycline may meet the criteria to be tested for HRTV through the CDC. The healthcare provider handling the case can contact an epidemiologist or their state health department to see if the case qualifies for testing.

Treatment of the Heartland Virus

The treatment for HRTV is aimed at relieving and managing the symptoms using a range of supportive therapies, including intravenous fluids, pain relief, and fever reduction measures. Beyond that, because this tick-borne illness is a virus, antibiotics, which treat bacterial infections, don’t provide any benefits.

The illness could become severe enough to require hospitalization to manage the symptoms in some individuals. Currently, no vaccines are available as a preventative measure against HRTV, according to the CDC.

Supporting the Body with Natural Therapies

Though most patients recover, some may encounter symptoms that linger for weeks to months. Depending on what those symptoms are, herbs may be useful for facilitating energy, promoting healing, and acting as a complement to other therapeutic interventions. “Herbs have a vast range of medicinal value and a low potential for toxicity,” says Dr. Rawls. “They help protect and fuel your cells with phytochemicals and nutrients to replenish the body.”

However, remember to consult with your doctor before adding natural remedies to your existing treatment protocol. Here are some of Dr. Rawls’ preferred herbs and nutrients to support various systems of the body:

1. To promote healthy cellular energy levels:

molecule icon with GSHGlutathione: Made of three amino acids (glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine), glutathione is an essential antioxidant needed for cellular repair and energy production.

cell diagram of N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC): A precursor to glutathione, NAC’s potent detox power helps dissolve biofilm, break down mucus buildup, and support healthy collagen levels in the body.

cell diagram of Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10: Another strong antioxidant, CoQ10 helps produce cellular energy in the mitochondria — specifically in organs that require high energy levels to run, such as the heart.

2. To facilitate healthy brain function:

Rhodiola rosea, yellow flower on green stemRhodiola: As a stress-easing adaptogen, rhodiola influences the hypothalamus, a brain region responsible for regulating the thyroid, adrenal glands, and reproductive organs.

Ashwagandha green buds on stem and leavesAshwagandha: Used for centuries throughout India and Africa, ashwagandha is a popular adaptogen that’s especially helpful in supporting focus and maintaining a healthy stress response.

green ginkgo biloba leaves growing on branchGinkgo: Native to China, ginkgo shows a long history of neuroprotective traits due to its ability to increase blood circulation to the brain and relieve memory loss.

3. To decrease inflammation:

wooden bowl full of orange turmeric powderTurmeric: A longtime medicinal spice in India, turmeric‘s anti-inflammatory action is so powerful that it’s been compared to ibuprofen as an effective pain reliever.

boswellia sap growing on tree barkBoswellia: Also known as Indian frankincense, boswellia supports healthy joints and a balanced gut, with increasing benefits when taken together with turmeric.

CBD hemp oil in dropper and bottleCBD oil: Extracted from hemp, CBD oil calms inflammation through the endocannabinoid system (ECS) — a vast neuromodulatory network that works with the central nervous system (CNS) to regulate numerous body responses.

4. To bolster or modulate the immune system:

cordyceps mushroom that looks like brown twigsCordyceps: Native to Tibet, Cordyceps is a potent adaptogenic herb that combats stress, balances hormones, supports immunity, and enhances energy levels.

purple chinese skullcap flowers growingChinese skullcap: An herb best known for its synergist qualities, Chinese skullcap offers antimicrobial and immunomodulating properties, and it helps other herbs work better when taken in combination with them.

orange reishi mushrooms growing on woodReishi mushroom: A medicinal mushroom, reishi contains strong adaptogenic, immunomodulating, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Final Thoughts

Your best defense against contracting a tick-borne disease like HRTV (or any other) is to employ preventative measures and remain vigilant whenever you’re outdoors. Although the prime time for ticks that carry HRTV can range from April to September, ticks can remain active year-round in places where temperatures stay above freezing.

Therefore, remember to do regular tick checks, keeping in mind that the size of HRTV and other TBD-carrying ticks could be so small that you might miss them. Use repellents, especially in high-risk areas like wooded or bushy landscapes with tall grass. If you suspect a tick bite and develop symptoms, visit your healthcare provider. The earlier you can get the care you need, the better the chance of a successful recovery.

__________________

For more:

Category:

Ticks, Treatment, Viruses

Birds vs. Rodents in Transmitting Tick-Borne Pathogens

https://danielcameronmd.com/birds-rodents-transmitting-tick-borne-pathogens/

Birds vs. rodents in transmitting tick-borne pathogens

birds-tick-borne-pathogens

While white-footed mice are considered to be the primary reservoir for tick-borne pathogens, the role of birds as hosts in transmitting such infectious agents is not fully understood. A new study examines the transmission patterns in Canada between the two groups.

By

In their study, “Transmission patterns of tick-borne pathogens among birds and rodents in a forested park in southeastern Canada,” Dumas et al. “investigated and compared the role of breeding birds to rodents in local transmission dynamics of B. burgdorferi s.s., A. phagocytophilum and B. miyamotoi, which are emerging pathogens in southeastern Canada.”¹

Researchers collected ticks and rodents from the Mont Saint-Bruno National Park in Quebec, an area endemic for Lyme disease. They aimed to identify:

  • Distribution of tick-borne pathogens B. burgdorferi, B. miyamotoi, and A. phagocytophylum in ticks and tick hosts;
  • Evaluate the contribution of birds as hosts to B. burgdorferi transmission compared with white-footed mice;
  • Determine risk factors for tick infestation and B. burgdorferi infectivity among hosts.

They collected 25,150 larvae, 4,177 nymphs and 232 adult blacklegged ticks.  And trapped 665 mice, 13 Eastern chipmunks, 15 Northern short-tailed shrew and one Red-backed vole.

The team found 470 (70.68%) mice, 12 (92.31%) chipmunks and 2 (13.33%) shrews infested with at least one tick. Ticks were not found on the only vole captured. Ticks collected from these small mammals were predominantly attached to the ears.

Approximately 70% of mice and 92% of chipmunks were infested with at least one tick, compared with 29% of captured birds.

Additionally, 849 birds belonging to 50 different species were captured. Researchers found ticks on 28.86% of the birds, “with the majority of these ticks removed from members of the Passerellidae (37.41%), Turdidae (31.11%) and Parulidae (17.04%) families,” writes Dumas.

How many hosts were infected with tick-borne pathogens?

When reviewing tick-borne pathogens detected in hosts tissue, the authors found 33.92% of mice were positive for B. burgdorferi, 0.48% for B. miyamotoi and none for A. phagocytophilum.

Meanwhile, 84.62% of chipmunks were positive for B. burgdorferi, 15.38% for B. miyamotoi and 7.69% for A. phagocytophilum.

“Pathogens were not detected in any of the bird biopsies (n = 262),” the authors point out. However, birds may not be infected but they are responsible for carrying the ticks to new areas.  They also supply a much needed meal for the ticks.

“Our results support the relevance of considering the role of hosts other than the white-footed mouse in eco-epidemiological studies of tick-borne diseases,” the authors suggest.

Related Articles:

What nesting songbirds tell us about Lyme disease in Canada
Impact of environmental changes on tick-borne diseases in Canada
Causes for under-detection of Lyme disease in Canada

References:
  1. Dumas A, Bouchard C, Dibernardo A, et al. Transmission patterns of tick-borne pathogens among birds and rodents in a forested park in southeastern Canada. PLoS One. 2022;17(4):e0266527. Published 2022 Apr 7. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0266527

For more:

For far too long, the white-footed mouse has been given too much credit for the spread of ticks and TBIs.  Many do not know that reptiles are also reservoirs.  And birds can travel great distances dropping ticks along the way that are from other parts of the globe.

Category:

Anaplasmosis, Borrelia Miyamotoi (Relapsing Fever Group), Lyme, Ticks, Transmission

New Pathogens Found in Oklahoma Ticks

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/vbz.2021.0057

Detection of Borrelia miyamotoi and Powassan Virus Lineage II (Deer Tick Virus) from Odocoileus virginianus Harvested Ixodes scapularis in Oklahoma

Published Online:19 Apr 2022https://doi.org/10.1089/vbz.2021.0057

Abstract

Odocoileus virginianus (white-tailed deer) is the primary host of adult Ixodes scapularis (deer tick). Most of the research into I. scapularis has been geographically restricted to the northeastern United States, with limited interest in Oklahoma until recently as the I. scapularis populations spread due to climate change. Ticks serve as a vector for pathogenic bacteria, protozoans, and viruses that pose a significant human health risk. To date, there has been limited research to determine what potential tick-borne pathogens are present in I. scapularis in central Oklahoma. Using a one-step multiplex real-time reverse transcription-PCR, I. scapularis collected from white-tailed deer was screened for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia miyamotoi, Babesia microti, and deer tick virus (DTV). Ticks (n = 394) were pooled by gender and life stage into 117 samples. Three pooled samples were positive for B. miyamotoi and five pooled samples were positive for DTV. This represents a minimum infection rate of 0.8% and 1.2%, respectively. A. phagocytophilum, B. burgdorferi, and B. microti were not detected in any samples. This is the first report of B. miyamotoi and DTV detection in Oklahoma I. scapularis ticks. This demonstrates that I. scapularis pathogens are present in Oklahoma and that further surveillance of I. scapularis is warranted.

____________________

**Comment**

A few points:

  • This article is based upon the faulty premise that somehow “climate change” is causing tick and disease proliferation.  This has been proven to be false yet is continually regurgitated as truth.  This; however, does not mean “the powers that be” are not committing heinous acts of “climate engineering” which IS causing very real destruction of life.
    • This recent article proves Spain has admitted recently spraying deadly chemtrails as part of a secret UN program to fight COVID.
    • Four state meteorological agency whistleblowers announced in 2015 that planes were regularly spraying lead dioxide, silver iodide, and diatomite throughout Spain to ward off rain and allow temperatures to rise to create a summery climate for tourism as well as the agricultural sector – producing cold drops of great intensity.
  • We’ve also been told ad nauseum that Lyme doesn’t exist in Oklahoma and while this research also didn’t find it, it did discover B miyamotoi which symptoms are similar to Lyme. But again, just because they didn’t find it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. The black legged tick is abundant in Oklahoma.
  • Oklahoma is Ehrlichiosis Central and has many other tick-borne diseases:
    • spotted fever rickettsiosis
    • Rocky Mountain spotted fever
    • STARI (which many experts tell me is simply Lyme)
    • Tularemia
    • Heartland Virus
    • Tick paralysis
    • Anaplasmosis

Category:

Anaplasmosis, Borrelia Miyamotoi (Relapsing Fever Group), Ehrlichiosis, Lyme, research, Rickettsia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ticks, Tularemia, Viruses

4 New Published Articles on Ticks

https://lymediseaseassociation.org/news/james-occi-phd-4-new-published-articles-on-ticks/

James L. Occi, PhD: 4 New Published Articles on Ticks

James L. Occi, PhD
James L. Occi, PhD

James L. Occi, PhD, is the lead author of four new published articles regarding ticks over the last three years that have added to the scientific data necessary to understand the spread of ticks and the diseases they carry and transmit in the Northeast and that have provided a basis for moving the field of tick-borne diseases forward.

Jim has been on the Lyme Disease Association’s (LDA) Scientific & Professional Advisory Board since its inception in 1999.  He has been an invaluable resource to the LDA providing lectures, blogs, tick images, and consultations on ticks and the diseases they carry.

LDA Congratulates James Occi (Jim), who recently received his PhD at Rutgers University, the Center for Vector Biology (New Brunswick), and wishes him every success with his future endeavors.  He studied tick-borne diseases in New Jersey tick populations under the direction of Dr. Dina Fonseca and co-authored the below four published research articles for his dissertation.

“Annotated List of the Hard Ticks (Acari: Ixodida: Ixodidae) of New Jersey,” J Med Entomol., April 2019, examines documented cases of hard ticks found in NJ.  After a thorough review of the scientific literature, government documents, and evaluation of tick collections (vouchers) in museums and other repositories, the authors determined there were 11 verifiable species of ticks found in NJ.  Nine are native to North America, while two are invasive (Asian longhorned tick and brown dog tick).  In addition, there are seven tick species that may be present or become established in the future, but confirmation with existing NJ vouchers was not found.

Five tick species were reviewed that were reported in NJ but not found in NJ vouchers or that were found within neighboring states.  The importance of vouchers for tick research and surveillance is discussed.

A detailed statewide tick surveillance program would give public health professionals and physicians information to help protect the public from tick-borne diseases.  They would be knowledgeable about what tick species were present, what the principal hosts were and what pathogens the ticks carry and transmit.  (Click here for published article)

“New Jersey-Wide Survey of Rickettsia (Proteobacteria: Rickettsiaceae) in Dermacentor variabilis and Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodida: Ixodidae)” was published in Am J Trop Med Hyg., Sept. 2020, and concludes the increase in Spotted Fever Group Rickettsioses (SFGR) in NJ is unlikely to come from D. variabilis.  Infection with the tick-borne R. rickettsia bacterium causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) which can be fatal if left untreated.

Two tick species, that are considered Rickettsia vectors, were collected from all 21 NJ counties.  560 Dermacentor variabilis Say, American dog tick; 245 Amblyomma americanum L., lone star tick; and an additional 394 D. variabilis were collected at different time periods.   Zero D. variabilis and zero A. americanum were found to be infected with Rickettsia rickettsia.  They detected R. montanensis in D. variabilis and R. amblyommatis in A. americanum.

Collaboration among medical doctors, public health professionals, medical entomologists, and diagnostic laboratories will be needed to understand the causes of SFGR east of the Mississippi. What is causing human cases of SFGR in NJ remains unanswered. (Click here for published article)

Carios kelleyi, tick vector, on hand (Photo Credit: J. Occi, Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers Univ.)
‘Carios kelleyi’ on hand (Photo Credit: J. Occi, Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers Univ.)

“First Record of Carios kelleyi (Acari: Ixodida: Argasidae) in New Jersey, United States and Implications for Public Health,” J Med Entomol., March 2021.  Carios kelleyi is a soft tick that is almost exclusively a parasite of bats and had been found in at least 29 states, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Cuba, and now in New Jersey.  The nymphs and adults take several short blood meals (min. to hrs.), while the larvae remain attached for several days. Relapsing fever Borrelia is known to come from soft ticks that feed on small rodents, and when bats are removed, ticks begin to seek blood meals from humans.

C. kelleyi has been found infected with a novel spotted fever Rickettsia; a novel relapsing fever-related Borrelia;  Bartonella henselae; and a novel relapsing fever spirochete, identified as Borrelia johnsonii.

Although C. kelleyi is not thought to be an important vector of pathogens, its prevalence in bats in New Jersey is increasing.  This creates the possibility for transmission to humans, animals, and livestock.  New Jersey bats and the pathogens they carry should be monitored to assess the risk to the public. (Click here for published article)

“Ixodes scapularis (Ixodida: Ixodidae) Parasitizing an Unlikely Host: Big Brown Bats, Eptesicus fuscus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae), in New York State, USA,” was published in J Med Entomol, Jan. 2022.  I. scapularis is a three-host tick found throughout the Northeast, Southeast, and Upper Midwest in the U.S  and is the most common vector of tick-borne diseases to humans in North America.  It feeds on over 150 species of terrestrial vertebrates, yet it had not previously been reported to feed on bats.   During 2019 and 2020, injured big brown bats in four locations in rural NY had larvae and nymphs attached to them.  Bats are known to carry a large number of pathogens and these ticks could go from hosting on a bat to hosting on a human. This poses a significant epidemiological risk and should be investigated further.  It also threatens bat species that are at risk. (Click here for published article)

Category:

Bartonella, research, Rickettsia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ticks, Transmission

Powassan Virus Found in Massachusetts Ticks

https://www.westernmassnews.com/2022/06/10/powassan-virus-found-massachusetts-ticks/  News Story Here (Approx. 3 Min)

By Mary Wilson, Photojournalist: Erik Rosario and Ryan Trowbridge
Updated: Jun. 10, 2022 at 4:00 PM CDT

AMHERST, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – A western Massachusetts tick testing company has found several ticks have tested positive for the Powassan virus, not long after a Connecticut woman in her 90s died of the tick-borne virus.

Scientists at Tick Report in Amherst are busy testing around 1,000 ticks a week, taking a close look under the microscope, and extracting DNA.

“June is going to be the worst month of the year for deer ticks, really the riskiest tick bite that you can get,” said Paul Killinger, education director at Tick Report.

(See link for news story)
____________________
**Comment**
I just found a juvenile black legged tick on my towel, on my deck approx. 6 feet away from trees but separated by much and rocks.
One minute, no tick, and the next minute there it was.
I believe the tick blew from the nearby trees onto the deck, even though most researchers deny ticks dropping from trees, even though birds transport ticks everywhere, including trees where they may drop off.
This TV anchor got infected this way, and a Lyme advocate told me that ticks blow into their pool from nearby trees regularly.
For more:

Powassan is NOT rare:

http://www.coppelabs.com/blog/why-is-powassan-virus-infection-still-described-as-rare-and-mysterious/  Excerpt:  

For the last two years, Coppe Laboratories has dedicated a significant amount of time and resources to dispelling the myth that infection with Powassan virus, a virus transmitted by tick bite, is rare. The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) reports only 100 cases of Powassan virus infection in the United States in the last 10 years. Indeed, that statistic gives the illusion that Powassan infection is rare. However, did you know that the only infections reported to CDC are those that are life-threatening, particularly cases causing severe inflammation of the brain like the case reported in LiveScience? Coppe has published three new papers in the last year that clearly show Powassan virus infection is not rare are at all, and until testing for this virus is included as part of tick-borne disease screening panels infections will continue to be underreported. Coppe’s Powassan Guide, which can be downloaded from the website, summarizes the findings from both tick and human Powassan prevalence studies, as well as defining the patient populations that would benefit most from Powassan testing.

Category:

Activism, research, Ticks, Viruses