Ocean County Reports First Measles Case of 2025
Ocean County has confirmed its first measles case of the year, the New Jersey department of health announced. The Ocean County resident, who tested positive for the virus earlier this week, is the only known active case in New Jersey. The state had three previous measles infections this year. Individuals who may have been exposed to the infected person start to see symptoms could develop symptoms as late as July 22. Common symptoms of measles include a cough, high-grade fever, red watery eyes, a runny nose, and a rash which forms 3-5 after the first symptoms begin.
Full Story: Asbury Park Press, Patch
Tick Bites are Sending Americans to the ER at High Rates This Summer
This summer, more Americans are visiting the emergency room with tick bites than any year since 2019, CDC data shows. The Northeastern states in particular are experiencing a surge of tick-related ER visits and New Jersey has one of the highest rates of ER visits for tick bites in the country. If left untreated, the bites can cause illnesses such as Lyme disease and babesiosis. The surge in infections is being driven by record-high levels of ticks in the environment. In recent years, tick populations have not only increased but have remained active for more months throughout the year. Climate change has allowed ticks to thrive even in typically colder times of the year, extending the tick season in many states.
“While tick bites are more common in the summer because of increased outdoor activity, evidence shows that people must stay vigilant year-round now that ticks are also active in the winter because of warming driven by climate change, explained Dr. Dennis Bente, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Texas Medical Branch.
Full Story: CBS News
