Ticks carrying Lyme disease are gaining ground in North Carolina, study finds - WRAL

“A recent study shows that the black‑legged tick (Ixodes scapularis), the primary vector for Lyme disease, is expanding its range deeper into North Carolina, driven by milder winters and changing land‑use patterns. The spread raises the risk of Lyme disease for residents and visitors, prompting state health officials to amplify public‑education campaigns on tick avoidance, prompt removal, and early testing. Expert Analysis: The northward shift of Lyme‑carrying ticks underscores a broader climate‑driven health challenge for the southeastern U.S. Increased case loads will strain local healthcare resources and could dampen outdoor tourism revenues unless proactive prevention and surveillance measures are adopted.”