Thousands in West Virginia struck down by 'mystery' tick-borne disease that's suffered by Justin Bieber and Bella Hadid

Experts have raised the alarm about the growing threat of tick-borne Lyme disease, as cases begin to soar with rising temperatures. 

In West Virginia, one county's health department has warned that the state is currently seeing hundreds of cases of the condition, compared to a handful a few years ago.

The department administrator Howard Gamble told local news outlets that patients must see a healthcare professional 'if a tick has bit you and it is embedded into your skin.'

Statewide, cases reached 1,052 last year — and are expected to surge to similar levels this year. Just a decade ago, there were barely 300 cases a year.

The above map shows where cases of Lyme disease were reported in the US in 2022

This year, Lyme disease cases have already surged to record levels in North Eastern states including New York and Massachusetts.

Emergency room visits for tick bites hit 69 per 100,000 ER visits in March, the highest rate ever recorded for the month and well above the average of 43 visits at this time for the previous seven years.

Ticks also emerged earlier than normal this year, with bites reported in New Hampshire and Minnesota as early as February — well ahead of April when the critters normally emerge.

Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria that is transmitted when someone is bitten by an infected tick that are prevalent in grassy and wooded areas.

It initially causes a characteristic bullseye rash around the bite site, and without treatment can lead to nerve damage, heart problems, fatigue and personality changes.

Doctors can treat the infection with antibiotics, but it can take months to diagnose if the first warning signs are missed.

The condition has attracted attention due to the large group of celebrity sufferers - including  Justin Bieber and Bella Hadid who were both diagnosed with Lyme disease — likely after spending time in the countryside.

Experts say Lyme disease is mysterious because antibodies against the bacteria often can't be detected for several weeks after infection, even as someone suffers symptoms. 

It means patients often go misdiagnosed and their symptoms remain unexplained. 

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Infections have been rising in the US every year since 2014, with nearly 63,000 cases recorded in 2022 — as longer summers allow ticks to be active for longer.

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Mr Gamble said the disease was becoming 'endemic' in more areas.

Official data from 2022 showed cases shot up 28 percent from the previous year.

Nationwide, the largest outbreaks last year were recorded in Rhode Island, Vermont and Maine — with up to 212 cases per 100,000.

Massachusetts is also raising the alarm over other tick-borne diseases which are rising, including the rare Powassan virus.

Around 10 percent of people who catch the virus suffer from severe neurological symptoms including seizures, speech problems and paralysis.

It was reported this year for the first time in the town of Sharon, Massachusetts, prompting concern.

Experts say ticks tend to be active from March to mid-May and mid-August to November — but they warn that warmer weather is increasing this period.

The critters often hang onto the edge of grasses on footpaths waiting for someone to come past before latching on.

In some cases, they may also drop from trees after detecting heat and activity underneath them.

'They are falling down to see what's happening, they can catch our legs really easily because they are hanging on low-lying grasses, branches and so on,' said Gamble.

Experts say the best way to avoid a tick bite is to cover exposed skin with long-sleeve tops, trousers and socks. 

If bitten, grasp the tick at its head before removing. Leaving the head behind could help avoid an infection.