A couple weeks ago, we published an article about tick-borne illnesses that are prevalent in Colorado. In that piece, we noted that most sources indicate that Lyme disease isn’t a concern – while some local cases have occurred, those were linked to people getting bit by a tick elsewhere in the country. In a pretty shocking revelation, KDVR reports that at least one veterinarian thinks that’s no longer the case thanks to a migration that’s taken place over the last year and a half.
“With temperatures rising, ticks carrying Lyme have moved into new states,” says the vet in the KDVR report. “[Dr. Shelley Brown] said most ticks carrying Lyme disease have been found in Larimer County, with some pets testing positive in the northern part of the state.”
If Lyme disease is indeed present in Colorado, this is cause for concern for the state’s outdoor recreators as Lyme disease is perhaps the most notorious tick-borne illness threatening America. Initial symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, and a noticeable ‘bulls-eye’ rash. Long-term symptoms can include joint pain, neurological issues, heart palpitations, and cognitive impacts, like memory loss or difficult concentrating…