Mosquitoes and ticks cause disease by transmitting parasites, bacteria, and viruses.
Malaria is a caused by a parasite transmitted by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes also carry the West Nile virus, Zika virus*, and Yellow Fever virus. Ticks transmit the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease, but Lyme Diseases is not the only disease that one needs to be concerned including infections from numerous pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and at least one parasite. Please see webpage on Ticks & Parasites. Some of the most common tick-borne diseases in the United States include: Bacterial
Seasons of Highest Risk of Being Bitten:
*********************************************************************************** These are some common ticks where I live in the Eastern United States. See CDC link below to learn more about ticks where you live or where you are traveling. American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) NOTES: Also called wood ticks. Adult females most likely to bite humans. here: Widely distributed east of the Rocky Mountains and in limited areas on the Pacific Coast. Transmits:
Blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) NOTES: Also called deer ticks. Adult females and nymphs most likely to bite humans. Where: Widely distributed in the northeastern and upper Midwestern United States. Transmits:
Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) NOTES: This is a very aggressive tick. The adult female white dot or “lone star” on her back. Adult females and nymphs most likely to bite humans. Where: Widely distributed in the southeastern and eastern United States. Transmits:
Reference: Adapted from CDC - Geographic distribution of ticks that bite humans athttps://www.cdc.gov/ticks/geographic_distribution.html ∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞ My Tick Encounter: Last year [2017], I was infected with anaplasmosis that is caused by deer ticks AKA black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis). Deer ticks are very common in the northeast and upper mid-western United States. Anaplasmosis can be a serious illness that can be fatal if not treated appropriately, even in previously healthy people. The tick was not attached and it would have been very easy for me to never have known that I was bitten. When I saw the tick that morning, I easily knocked it off (never did find it again). I had three bite marks that looked like small bruises and this was after the tick was on me for less than 8 hours. The mistakes that I made were numerous: 1. I wore no bug repellent. 2. I wore my clothes into the house, after being out in brushy areas taking pictures that evening. 3. Not only did I bring my clothes into the house, but after showering, I put the same black (of course) hoodie on that I was wearing when out in the thickets taking wild plant photos. The tick had hitched a ride home on my hoodie and I took this creature to bed with me, as I slept with the hoodie on. It does not take 24 hours to transmit bacteria that causes anaplasmosis from a tick bite. About 8 days later, I developed symptoms that included swollen lymph glands, flu-like symptoms, and the worst headache of my life. I was treated with a 28-day course of doxycycline. This infection – anaplasmosis – can resemble other tick-borne diseases, such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and ehrlichiosis, as all are transmitted by rickettsia group bacteria. The main difference between symptoms of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and both ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis is that a rash is common for those infected with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, but not the other two infections. Similar to anaplasmosis, these infections respond well to treatment with doxycycline. Ehrlichiosis is more common in the southern United Stars and anaplasmosis is more common in the Northeastern U.S. and Mid-Atlantic states. The deer tick that causes anaplasmosis also transmits Lyme Disease and babesiosis with co-infections being very likely. The Mayo Clinic states pertaining to ehrlichiosis that “[b]efore bacteria can be transmitted, a tick must be attached and feeding for at least 24 hours” and “[a]n attached tick with a swollen appearance may have been feeding long enough to have transmitted bacteria.” I saw the tick and it was a deer tick not a lone star tick, but most people don’t ever see the tick. Just keep in mind, it does not have to be embedded or attached to transmit bacteria that can cause very serious – even deadly – infections. Like ehrlichiosis, the first symptoms – typically are flu-like symptoms like mild body aches, fever, malaise, etc. – of anaplasmosis typically begin within 1-2 weeks after the bite of an infected tick. ∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞ How to Avoid Ticks & Mosquitoes
Please refer to the EPA website for safety and use information, as well as information on use by pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, and children at https://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/prevent-mosquito-bites.html Basic Guidelines
The synthetic compound DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is the most effective and widely used insect repellent in the world. The Mayo Clinic and CDC recommend using DEET containing products like Off!, Repel, and Cutter. DEET is a true repellent – that is, it does not kill insects, it just keeps them at bay. Many scientists say it’s the gold standard for all repellents, but is it safe and how does it work? DEET has been linked to neurological problems and does damage to plastic, from which a lot of camping and hiking gear is made. Please click here to see the report by the EWG. According to a 2014 report by the Canadian Paediatric Society, contact dermatitis and eye irritation are the most common side effects of DEET, but toxic encephalopathy - has been reported, usually with prolonged or excessive use, or accidental DEET ingestion. Encephalopathy can present a very broad spectrum of symptoms that range from mild like some memory loss or subtle personality changes, to severe, including dementia, seizures, coma, or death. {SIDEBAR: Hmm ... a lot of products that contain DEET are aerosol sprays. It may be best to avoid products containing DEET or at least lotions or gels and not sprays, even non-aerosol.} NOTE: Effective for 4 to 10 hours. According to the FDA, “DEET works by making it hard for these biting bugs to smell us” and “believe that the normal use of DEET does not present a health concern to the general population, including children.” “Believe” is not the same as “know” – hence, I err on the side of caution and use tick and mosquito repellents made with essential oils that have been shown through both use and scientific research to be effective at repelling bugs. I also would consider using one of the alternatives listed below that are effective as DEET without the issues associated with DEET, especially if I was traveling to an area that is known to be infested with mosquitoes and ticks. Alternatives to DEET:
I use a homemade tick and bug repellent made with Rose Geranium and other essential oils. Please click here for the recipe. I have heard that regular Listerine is a cheap tick repellent in a pinch, but haven't tried it myself. ∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞ *Thoughts on Zika Virus and Birth Defects like Microcephaly: Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects. Microcephaly (my-kroh-SEF-uh-lee) is a rare neurological condition in which an infant's head is significantly smaller than expected. Microcephaly is also caused by Toxoplasma gondii – a protozoan parasite transmitted by cats that is estimated by the World Health Organization [WHO] to infect over 50% of the world’s population. The Mayo Clinic states that microcephaly may be caused by “infections passed to the fetus during pregnancy” that “include toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus, German measles (rubella), chickenpox (varicella) and Zika virus.” During the Zika scare, the mainstream media failed to address the other causes of microcephaly and focused only on the Zika virus … more hype than substance, but that is the rule not the exception. ∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞ References: Mayo Clinic – Patient Care & Health Information – Diseases & Conditions – Ehrlichiosis https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ehrlichiosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20372142 Merck Manual Online – Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/rickettsiae-and-related-organisms/ehrlichiosis-and-anaplasmosis CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] – Ehrlichiosis https://www.cdc.gov/ehrlichiosis/index.html CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] – The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) – NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topics – TICK-BORNE DISEASES https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/tick-borne/default.html CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] – West Nile Virus Home – Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/prevention/index.html CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] – Ticks Home – Avoiding ticks – Preventing tick bites https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_people.html CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] – Protection against Mosquitoes, Ticks, & Other Arthropods https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/the-pre-travel-consultation/protection-against-mosquitoes-ticks-other-arthropods EPA – United States Environmental Protection Agency – DEET https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/deet EPA – United States Environmental Protection Agency –Find the Repellent that is Right for You https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you REI – Insect Repellents: How to Choose https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/insect-repellents.html Onyett, H., & Canadian Paediatric Society, Infectious Diseases and Immunization Committee. (2014). Preventing mosquito and tick bites: A Canadian update. Paediatrics & Child Health, 19(6), 326–328. EWG's Guide to Bug Repellents in the Age of Zika: Repellent Chemicals - April 1, 2016. Accessed May 22, 2018. https://www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-guide-bug-repellents/repellent chemicals#.WxUlaiAh3IU CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] – Birth Defects – Facts about Microcephaly https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/microcephaly.html Nahmias AJ, Walls KW, Stewart JA et al (1971) The ToRCH complex-perinatal infections associated with toxoplasma and rubella, cytomegol- and herpes simplex viruses. Pediatr Res 5:405–406. https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197108000-00144 Essential Oils: Borg-Karlson, A.-K. (2017). Essential oils of aromatic Egyptian plants repel nymphs of the tick Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae). Experimental & Applied Acarology, 73(1), 139–157. http://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-017-0165-3 Tabanca N, Wang M, Avonto C, Chittiboyina AG, Parcher JF, Carroll JF, Kramer M, Khan IA. Bioactivity-guided investigation of germanium essential oils as natural tick repellants. J Agric Food Chem. 2013;61:4101–4107. doi: 10.1021/jf400246a. Jaenson TGT, Garboui S, Pålsson K. Repellency of oils of lemon eucalyptus, geranium, and lavender and the mosquito repellent MyggA natural to Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae) in the laboratory and field. J Med Entomol. 2006;43:731–736. doi: 10.1093/jmedent/43.4.731. CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] – Lyme Disease Home – Preventing tick bites – Natural Tick Repellents and Pesticides https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/prev/natural-repellents.html Hebe Botanicals –Mosquito repellents: ‘Lemon Eucalyptus Oil’ is not ‘Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus’! http://www.hebebotanicals.co.nz/mosquito-repellents/ Eden Botanicals – Natural Perfumery Basics https://www.edenbotanicals.com/natural-perfumery-basics.html
0 Comments
We know that we can acquire parasites form our food, our water, from each other, from dirt, from animals, etc., so let's discuss how we can take steps to reduce our risks. Of course, staying healthy is essential, but this blog focuses on external methods of risk reduction like personal hygiene habits, food preparation, etc.
Practice Good Hygiene Wash our hands:
Water
Food I personally do not eat mammals anymore. I have many reasons for this, but one is food safety. Cows, goats, and especially pigs are known carriers of many types of parasites including tapeworms and roundworms. But if you do eat meat, it needs to handled and prepared in a manner to reduce the risks of acquiring a parasitic infection or other food borne illness. According to the CDC: "Curing (salting), drying, smoking, and/or microwaving meat alone does not consistently kill infective worms" – that is, these methods are not effective at destroying parasitic eggs or larval cysts. NOTE: Microwaves are not a safe method of "cooking" food. I never use one and haven't in about 10 years. Recommendations:
Freezing is not effective against all pathogens – that is, it will not destroy all parasitic eggs and cysts, but it will destroy many species and reduce the overall amount. This recommendation only applies to fish not mammalian meat, bivalves, or shellfish. Freezing recommendations for fish, per the CDC (Centers for Disease Control): At -4°F (-20°C) or below for 7 days (total time), OR At -31°F (-35°C) or below until solid, & storing at -31°F (-35°C) or below for 15 hours, OR At -31°F (-35°C) or below until solid and storing at -4°F (-20°C) or below for 24 hours. According to the CDC, Trichinella spiralis (the parasitic worm that causes the disease called trichinellosis or trichinosis) is destroyed after freezing pork and other infected mammals for at least 20 days at -5˚ F [-15˚ C]. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cooking recommendations, per the CDC (Centers for Disease Control): Whole Cuts of Beef, Pork, and other domestic animals 145˚ F [63˚ C] Fish (with fins) 145˚ F [74˚ C] Ground Beef (and other red meats) 160˚ F [71˚ C] Ground Pork (including sausages) 160˚ F [71˚ C] Poultry (whole cuts and ground) 165˚ F [74˚ C] For All Wild Game (whole cuts and ground) 160˚ F [72˚ C] Let sit for three (3) minutes after reaching the minimum temperatures listed above. According to USDA, "A 'rest time' is the amount of time the product remains at the final temperature, after it has been removed from a grill, oven, or other heat source. During the three minutes after meat is removed from the heat source, its temperature remains constant or continues to rise, which destroys pathogens." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pets
Insects, Mosquitos, and Ticks
Intimate Encounters
Other thoughts and concerns: I also decided to quit eating all mammals a few years ago, not just because they carry all types of parasites. I love cows and I don't want to eat them. I never liked pork, so that was not an issue either way. If you eat meat, please raise your own, hunt, or buy from a small farmer that is taking care of the herd by providing proper care to reduce parasites in their animals and is also providing a sanitary and humane environment for the animals that will help reduce the risk of the animals of being infected. Also we need to be aware of all of the negatives that are associated with Factory Farming (CAFO - Confined Animal Feeding Operations). It must be noted that humans do not need to eat meat to get protein. Protein is found in all foods. Of course, certain foods are higher in protein than others. It also must be noted that many people over consume protein and this negatively impacts their health by overworking their kidneys & livers, reducing fat metabolism, etc. I will be writing a BLOG on protein next month. Most magazine articles cite the wrong calculation; because they replace the word pound with kilogram … they are not equivalent. The calculation per the World Health Organization (WHO), National Institutes of Health [NIH], Harvard Heath, Institute of Medicine, the United Kingdom's Food Safety Guidelines, etc. results in about 55 grams of protein daily for an average male adult. This amount will vary based on gender, age, and for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Total Daily Protein = 0.8 grams of protein per KILOGRAM of body weight per day... (that is, ideal body weight not excess weight, as adipose (i.e., fat) does not require daily protein for maintenance). I read it in magazines and online as Total Daily Protein = 0.8 grams of protein per POUND of body weight. That results in a recommendation 2.2 times higher than what all leading health agencies recommend. It is also interesting that journalists will cite the aforementioned agencies and still not get the calculation right. I guess in America, a POUND equals a KILOGRAM. This mathematical error have many of us believing that we need over twice the amount of protein that we truly need. A lot of protein bars brag about having 20 grams or more of protein. It is not healthy to eat denatured (that is, isolated) proteins often paired with excess sugar. We also need to be more concerned with meeting the necessary requirements of the individual essential amino acids and not concerned only the total amount of protein grams. We need quality protein that provides us adequate amounts of essential amino acids. Lastly, all protein and essential amino acids requirements can easily be met on a vegetarian diet and yes, even a vegan diet if one eats a healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, tubers, nuts, seeds, grains, and legumes like peas, beans, peanuts, and lentils. (Note: grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds should be enzyme activated AKA germinated or sprouted for optimum health benefits.) Concluding Notes: As many of you know, I was infected with a fish tapeworm from eating sashimi in 2002. According to the CDC, fish tapeworms (Diphyllobothrium sp.) can be destroyed by freezing based on specified temperatures for a minimum period of time outlined in the chart below. Keep in mind there are other species of parasites that may be found in fish (and meat as well) that are freeze resistant – that is, difficult or impossible to destroy by freezing. That said be warned freezing does not destroy the species of tapeworms found in mammals or other parasites that can be found in meat and/or fish. I personally will not eat any fish that is raw or undercooked, as I am not putting my health at risk by placing my trust in freezing being 100% effective for all parasites that fish carry or if I am out at a restaurant that the fish was actually frozen for the proper time at the proper temperature. At home, I do both. I freeze my fish for at least a month, because some parasites may take longer to destroy and then I cook to the proper temperature of 145˚ F. I also pair my fish with anti-parasitic foods, such as sliced raw garlic, cayenne pepper, horseradish, wasabi, etc. In my opinion, that is fish that is safe for human consumption. Did I mention that I think that catfish, tilapia, shark, any fish from China, etc. are not fit for human consumption? There are definite reasons to avoid the above and to be very careful from where you food is sourced. I eat sardines, cod, wild caught salmon, (clean) tuna, anchovies, flounder, trout, and haddock. To Your Health! SOURCES for Food Safety: Diphyllobothrium latum (and other species) FAQs https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/diphyllobothrium/faqs.html CDC: Be Food Safe: Protect Yourself from Food Poisoning https://www.cdc.gov/features/befoodsafe/index.html CDC: Parasites - Trichinellosis (also known as Trichinosis) https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/trichinellosis/prevent.html SOURCES for Protein Requirements: United Kingdom's Food Safety Guidelines - Page 5. https://www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/multimedia/pdfs/nutrientinstitution.pdf Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids (2005). Chapter: 10 Protein and Amino Acids. Page 589. https://www.nal.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fnic_uploads/energy_full_report.pdf There are numerous parasites that can be transmitted from pets to humans (see below).
Ways to Reduce Being Infected with Parasites from Your Pets:
NOTE: Young animals, such as puppies and kittens, are more likely to be infected with roundworms and hookworms. Animals (Zoonotic) https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/animals.html The CDC advises to “[p]ractice the four Ps: Pick up Pet Poop Promptly, and dispose of properly. Be sure to wash your hands after handling pet waste.” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From CATS: Toxoplasma gondii
Humans can get infected in numerous ways:
Conventional treatment includes a combination of drugs such as pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, plus folinic acid. Side effects, costs, length of treatment, and possible drug interactions of these drugs are beyond the scope of this blog. Please see your health care provider for more information on these items. According to the CDC, these “parasites can remain within tissue cells in a less active phase; their location makes it difficult for the medication to completely eliminate them.” Toxoplasmosis is considered to be a leading cause of death attributed to foodborne illness in the United States. More than 30 million men, women, and children in the U.S. carry the Toxoplasma parasite, but it is claimed that very few have symptoms because the immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness. Solutions:
Daraprim (pyrimethamine) is the standard drug used for the treatment of the possibly life-threatening parasitic infection toxoplasmosis when used conjointly with a sulfonamide. It was introduced in 1953. This was the drug that got “Pharma bro” Martin Shkreli (the CEO of Turing Pharmaceuticals) onto the world stage when in August of 2015, his new company acquired the drug only to increase the price $13.50 a tablet to $750.00 per pill. References:
From CATS & DOGS: Dipylidium caninum
Praziquantel is the pharmaceutical treatment given for both animals and humans. The CDC states that it is simple and very effective with a prescription drug called Praziquantel is given, either orally or by injection (pets only). There are herbal and natural treatments that may be available through a holistic veterinarian. Treat pets and your home for fleas. According to the CDC, “for a person to become infected with Dipylidium, he or she must accidentally swallow an infected flea.” References:
From Food:
Self-(re)infecting:
NOTE: There are quite a few species of parasites that can be acquired from human-to-human contact, but not all parasites can be transmitted that way. Unfortunately, the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium) is a very common and dangerous parasite that is endemic in the majority of the world including parts of North America and South America. It is very easily transmitted between humans, as well as through food (undercooked pork or contaminated produce). Future posts: - Ways to acquire blood-borne parasites. - Ways to minimize risks of acquiring parasites. Thanks for reading! Much love to all! References: Centers for Disease Control (CDC) - Parasites - Food https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/food.html World Health Organization (WHO) - Major foodborne illnesses and causes http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs399/en/ University of Maryland Medical Center - Intestinal parasites http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/intestinal-parasites |
Author
Learned about intestinal parasites from personal experience. LINKS:
|
SERVICES
Consultations
Speaker Presenter |
REQUESTSProduct Reviews
Photographs |
USE OF SITE - DISCLAIMER - PRIVACY POLICY
The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider before embarking on any diet, fast, exercise, or supplementation program and/or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Do not use or consume any wild plants based solely on the information on this website. © 2016-2023 I Love Iodine. All Rights Reserved.
|