Bug-bite diseases are on the rise nationwide: What to watch out for in Illinois

May 04--We learned from a new Centers for Disease Control study this week that illnesses from common bug bites -- mosquito, ticks and fleas -- have spiked nationwide in the last decade-plus, and that made us wonder about the implications closer to home.

From 2007 to 2016, the Illinois Department of Public Health recorded a total of 4,485 cases of disease caused by mosquito and tick bites. In 2016, the most recent year for which data was available, the state saw 685 diagnoses of these diseases. By far, Lyme disease and West Nile virus were the most common type of health issues associated with bug bites.

In a state of about 12.8 million residents, the number of people getting sick from bug bites is comparatively low.

Despite these relatively small number of cases, sickness caused by these insects can result in devastating consequences, including a compromised nervous system, intense pain and, for the most vulnerable populations, even death.

Here are the top five insect-borne diseases in Illinois:

1. Lyme disease: Carried by the deer tick, it has been the most common insect-related sickness in the state over the past decade. Between 2007 and 2016, there have been 2,020 confirmed cases, according to the health department. And in 2016, there were 237 cases. Lyme disease can affect a person's nervous system if left untreated, leading to body rashes, tingling of hands and feet, and heart palpitations, according to the CDC.

2. West Nile virus: Between 2007 and 2016, there have been 904 cases statewide. In 2016, 155 cases were recorded -- far below the record-setting number seen in 2002 when Illinois led the nation with 884 diagnoses and 67 deaths. West Nile virus, particularly for people older than 50 or those with weak immune systems, can give way to deadly encephalitis or meningitis. Most people, however, do not develop any flu-like symptoms typically associated with West Nile.

3. Rocky Mountain spotted fever: In 2016, the state recorded 68 cases of this tick-transmitted disease, which causes fever, headaches and rashes. At its height, the disease infected 151 people in 2012, and has caused a total of 748 cases since 2007, the health department said. Ticks carrying Rocky Mountain spotted fever are active when ground temperatures reach at least 40 degrees.

4. Ehrlichiosis: Another disease transferred by ticks, ehrlichiosis accounted for 32 cases reported to the state department of health in 2016. Since 2007, there have been 346 cases of the disease, which causes flu-like symptoms within about two weeks of contact with the tick. In Illinois, the lone star tick, the American dog tick and the deer tick carry the bacteria that causes ehrlichiosis.

5. Dengue fever: This disease, a leading cause of illness and death in the tropics and subtropics, first appeared in Illinois in 2010, according to the health department. That year, 23 cases were reported compared to the 35 cases found here in 2016. Since 2010, 151 people statewide have suffered from Dengue. All of the cases have been travel related and not transmitted locally, the health department said. Dengue causes high fever, severe headaches, joint pain and nose bleeds, according to the CDC.

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