SYRACUSE, N.Y. – (NCC NEWS) – As the temperatures rise, so does the population of ticks in Upstate New York. Ticks are parasites that attach themselves to a host and then share the infectious disease known as Lyme Disease.
The fear of Lyme Disease is always a concern when going outside. But new research on ticks could be a breakthrough in medicine to help stop the spread. Upstate Medical University Dr. Mohammed Alwahaidy believes that a preventive for this disease will be on the market in the future.
“They’re working on a vaccine currently, I believe they are in phase two of clinical trials,” Alwahaidy said.
Alwahaidy hopes that this new vaccine could help save so many other people from suffering and simply enjoy going outside without the worry of ticks.
Alwahaidy says physicians treat this disease with oral and intravenous antibiotics, depending on how long or severe the disease has been in your system.
People of all ages can be affected by this, but it does affect everyone differently. Syracuse resident and Lyme disease advocate Katie Castillo says going outside is a fear of hers, as ticks are found in backyards.
“It shapes how I live, it affects how much energy, how much I can do in a day. It literally affects all aspects of my life,” Castillo said. Not only did this disease change who she is but drastically limited her quality of life.
As the symptoms vary from a common cold to organ failure, people often are misdiagnosed. “I hope they find answers and even a cure for all those suffering, even a vaccine would be an incredible start to this awful disease,” Castillo said.
