Scientists Found Exotic Tick Species That Can Kill You in 48 Hours, and Clone Itself
OutdoorHub Reporters 12.26.18
It’s been a really bad year for ticks. And we’re digging up some of the most bizarre tick stories we covered this year such as the exotic tick species that scientists discovered with no explanation of how it showed up in the U.S.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this whole “tick explosion” situation, seems to be getting even worse. Apparently, experts have discovered a new “exotic tick,” not native to the U.S., that can kill you within 48 hours. Also, some ticks have been found carrying what’s called the Powassan virus that’s supposed to be even worse than Lyme disease…
Experts reportedly found the dangerous tick, which they believe is an East Asian tick, near Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Oh, and I forgot to mention, they also believe this exotic tick has the capability of cloning itself, FOX 2 reports.
Unfortunately, this story just keeps getting worse.
Some of you may already be aware of this rare virus, but we just want to keep hammering the point that everyone needs to be vigilant about checking themselves for ticks.
The Powassan virus is rare, but it’s nothing to play around with. It causes encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, and it kills nearly 10% of the people infected by the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Obviously, we would never suggest NOT going outdoors. Spring and summer are filled with outdoor adventures that we know you wait for all year long. Just do what you can to be prepared, and make sure you triple-check yourselves – and your dogs! – when you get back from the woods.
