What to know about tick, Lyme season

By Patrick Whittle Associated Press

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HIGGANUM - Carolyn (Romano) Geruch, graduated to her heavenly home on April 30, 2023 after a brief illness. She is survived by her beloved husband, Joseph Geruch, Jr., two daughters, Shelly Thompson and her husband Thomas of Higganum, Sherry Mucik and her fiancé Michael D’Aresta of Higganum, Step-daughter, Amanda Newland and her husband Richard of Southington, grandchildren, Emily and Ryan Thompson, Nicholas Boynton, Trip and Jake Newland. She was predeceased by her brother, Joseph Romano and sister, Sallene Jacobson. She also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews. Vacationing in Aruba with her husband was among her favorite activities that spanned many years. She was an avid gardener, crossword enthusiast, a formidable setback competitor and a lifelong Yankee fan. But mostly she was known for her great sense of humor and the love she had for her family and family traditions. Funeral services will be held at a later date. Memorial contribution may be sent to American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., I-91 Tech Ctr., Rocky Hill, CT 06067. To share memories or condolences online please visit www. biegafuneralhome.com

PORTLAND, Maine After a mild winter in the U.S., will there be an uptick in ticks this year?

Researchers say it is hard to predict how the tick season will play out. This year’s mild winter and early snow melt, though, could mean more ticks earlier than usual and a wider spread of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, scientists said.

In Connecticut, ticks are showing up in greater numbers this year, according to Goudarz Molaei, a tick expert for the state. So far, more than 700 ticks have been sent in for a testing program that normally would have gotten 200 to 300 by now. The state typically sees a lot of Lyme disease, which got its name from a Connecticut town.

“It’s going to be an above average year for tick activity and abundance,” Molaei said.

What diseases do ticks spread?

Infected ticks spread bacteria, viruses and parasites that make people sick. Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne infection in the U.S., mostly in the Northeast and Midwest. An estimated 476,000 Americans are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. See Ticks, A9