🚨️ DMV Tick Explosion!
If you’ve spent time outdoors this year, gardening, hiking, walking the dog, you’ve likely noticed: ticks are everywhere. And it’s not just a nuisance. This is shaping up to be one of the worst tick seasons in recent history, with exploding populations across the DMV, Mid-Atlantic, & Northeast.
🕷️ Why the Tick Surge?
The “perfect storm” of environmental shifts, including milder winters, longer warm seasons, rainy springs, & booming wildlife, has supercharged tick activity. Ticks are now active year-round, even winter, including: common Blacklegged (Deer), American Dog (Wood), & Lone Star ticks to invasive Asian Longhorned & Gulf Coast ticks. These ticks aren’t just irritating, they carry serious, sometimes life-threatening diseases.
🦠 The Hidden Dangers: Not Just Lyme Disease
While most people have heard of Lyme disease, many aren’t aware of the growing range of serious tick-borne infections in our region. Lyme disease remains the most well-known tick-borne illness, but it’s far from the only threat. In 2025, local health officials are warning about a rise:
- Anaplasmosis causes fever, chills, & muscle aches. Maryland & Virginia have already seen a rise in cases this year.
- Babesiosis, a malaria-like parasitic infection that’s now spreading into Maryland & Virginia.
- Ehrlichiosis can lead to severe flu-like symptoms: high fever, chills, muscle aches, & sometimes confusion or rash. If untreated, they can become life-threatening, especially for older adults or those with weakened immune systems.
- Powassan virus is a rare but potentially fatal neurological disease. Unlike Lyme, Powassan can be transmitted within minutes of a tick bite, making early detection crucial.
⚠️ Important: Many of these tick-borne illnesses don’t cause a rash & mimic the flu, making them easy to miss. Delayed treatment can lead to serious, long-term complications.
🌀 Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Tick-borne illnesses are rising fast across the DMV & Mid-Atlantic. Early action is critical—it can mean the difference between full recovery & lasting health issues. Whether you’ve been bitten or just want expert guidance, PHW is trusted by patients across the DMV & beyond.
🔍 PHW Can Help!
PHW specializes in early detection & personalized care for tick-related illnesses. Whether you’ve been bitten, feel sick, or just want peace of mind—we’re here for you.
🏥 What We Offer:
- Lyme Disease & Tick Coinfections Specialist
- Advanced Diagnostics & Labs
- Personalized Treatment Plans
- Same-Day Evaluations
- Year-Round Expert Consults