Rising Risks of Pest-Borne Diseases in Major U.S. Cities

May 14, 2026, 16:36
USHealth

Introduction

Recent data shows a significant increase in public health threats caused by pests across several U.S. cities, with New York City identified as a high-risk area.

Main Body

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has identified ten metropolitan areas, including New York City, that are particularly vulnerable to increased pest activity. This is mainly due to unusual weather patterns; for example, a quick shift from a severe winter to warm temperatures has left behind extra moisture, which helps ticks, mosquitoes, and rodents multiply. In contrast, extreme heat and dryness in southern regions have caused scorpions and cockroaches to move toward wetter environments. In the New York area, the main concerns are ticks, rodents, and mosquitoes. The SUNY Center for Vector-borne Diseases reported a 145 percent increase in tick samples between 2024 and 2025. Furthermore, while deer ticks are still the most common, other species like lone star and dog ticks are spreading across Central New York. Data shows that New York averaged over 17,500 Lyme disease cases per year over three years, with the number rising to nearly 19,000 in 2024. Diagnosing tick-borne illnesses remains a challenge for doctors. They emphasize that Lyme disease symptoms, such as fatigue and joint pain, often appear without the typical 'bull's-eye' rash, making it harder to identify. Consequently, the CDC has noted that emergency room visits for tick bites have reached their highest weekly levels since 2017. To reduce these risks, health authorities recommend using EPA-approved repellents, treating clothing with permethrin, and carefully checking the body after spending time outdoors.

Conclusion

Public health officials are continuing to monitor the rise of these diseases and urge people to follow preventative measures to protect themselves and their environment.

Learning

🧩 The "Logic Bridge": Moving from A2 to B2

At the A2 level, you likely use simple connectors like and, but, and because. To reach B2, you need to show cause and effect using a more sophisticated range of vocabulary. This article provides a perfect map for this transition.

πŸš€ The Upgrade Path

Look at how the text connects ideas. Instead of saying "This happened, so that happened," it uses Advanced Transition Markers:

  • "Mainly due to..." β†’\rightarrow Use this instead of "because of." It sounds more professional and precise.

    • A2: Pests are increasing because of the weather.
    • B2: Pests are increasing mainly due to unusual weather patterns.

  • "Consequently..." β†’\rightarrow Use this instead of "so." It signals a formal result of a previous fact.

    • A2: It is hard to identify the disease, so more people go to the ER.
    • B2: It is harder to identify; consequently, emergency room visits have reached their highest levels.

  • "In contrast..." β†’\rightarrow Use this instead of "but" when comparing two different situations.

    • A2: The north is wet, but the south is dry.
    • B2: The north has extra moisture; in contrast, southern regions have extreme heat and dryness.

πŸ’‘ Pro Tip for Fluency

To sound like a B2 speaker, don't just list facts. Link them.

The Formula: [Fact A] β†’\rightarrow [B2 Connector] β†’\rightarrow [Result B]

Example from text: [Lack of rash] β†’\rightarrow [making it harder to identify] β†’\rightarrow [Consequently] β†’\rightarrow [Higher ER visits]

Vocabulary Learning

significant (adj.)
Large in amount or importance
Example:The study found a significant increase in cases.
vulnerable (adj.)
Likely to be harmed or attacked
Example:The coastal city is vulnerable to flooding.
pattern (n.)
A repeated or regular arrangement
Example:The weather showed a strange pattern.
severe (adj.)
Very bad or serious
Example:The storm caused severe damage.
moisture (n.)
Water present in the air or in something
Example:High moisture levels can encourage mold.
multiply (v.)
To increase in number
Example:Bacteria can multiply quickly in warm environments.
extreme (adj.)
Very great or intense
Example:The heat was extreme.
diagnosing (v.)
Identifying a disease
Example:Diagnosing the illness requires careful tests.
challenge (n.)
A difficult task
Example:The project was a real challenge.
emphasize (v.)
To give special importance
Example:The doctor emphasized the need for rest.
symptoms (n.)
Indications of a disease
Example:Common symptoms include fever and cough.
fatigue (n.)
Exhaustion
Example:She felt fatigue after the long hike.
rash (n.)
A skin irritation
Example:The rash appeared on his arm.
repellents (n.)
Substances that keep insects away
Example:Use repellents to avoid bites.
permethrin (n.)
A chemical used on clothing to repel insects
Example:Permethrin helps protect against ticks.