Climate Change & Lyme Disease

Dr. Rev. Isabel Sharkar

Dr. Isabel Sharkar, NMD, is co-founder of Indigo Integrative Health Clinic in Washington, D.C., a thriving clinic that has been serving the local community in health restoration and body optimization for over a decade. Being in constant pursuit for truth and healing Dr. Isabel graduated in 2011 from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.

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Dec 2024

By: Dr. Isabel Sharkar, NMD | Apr 2026

Dec 2024

By Dr. Isabel Sharkar, NMD |

Exploring the Link Between Climate Change and Lyme Disease at Indigo Health Clinic

As the global conversation about climate change intensifies, its impact on the spread of infectious diseases like Lyme disease is becoming increasingly apparent. At Indigo Health Clinic, we are committed to understanding and addressing this complex relationship to better serve our patients. Being informed and prepared for future possibilities is important to us.

Understanding Climate Change's Influence on Lyme Disease

A recent article published in JAMA by infectious diseases experts has highlighted the connection between climate change and the spread of infectious diseases. The authors stress the importance of healthcare providers being prepared and educated about these changes to effectively diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases like Lyme disease.

Impact on Disease Patterns

Climate change significantly affects tick behavior, which serves as vectors for Lyme disease. Changes in temperature, rainfall patterns, and habitat availability contribute to expanding tick habitats and their active periods. This leads to an increased risk of tick bites and subsequent Lyme disease transmission. As temperature continues to rise, Lyme may too.

Addressing Challenges at Indigo Health Clinic

At Indigo Health Clinic, we understand the challenges posed by climate change in Lyme disease management. Our specialized services for Lyme disease patients include early detection, comprehensive treatment plans, and patient education on preventive measures.

Embracing Innovation and Education

We are committed to staying at the forefront of research and innovation to address the evolving nature of infectious diseases in a changing climate. Our goal is to empower patients with knowledge and tools to navigate these challenges effectively. The intersection of climate change and Lyme disease presents unique challenges and opportunities for healthcare providers and patients. At Indigo Health Clinic, we are dedicated to raising awareness, providing expert care, and advocating for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of climate change on Lyme disease. It's important to stay aware of how climate change may impact infectious diseases like Lyme.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is provided by Indigo Integrative Health Clinic for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation, and does not establish a provider-patient relationship. Individual health conditions vary — information presented here may not apply to your specific situation. Always consult a qualified, licensed healthcare provider before making decisions about your health, medications, supplements, or treatment plan.

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Bartonella is a bacterial infection that often appears alongside Lyme. In the US there is no current evidence that ticks transmit it, and the question is still under investigation. The proven routes are cat scratches and bites, cat-flea feces, and body lice. It is hard to detect, which is why a thorough Lyme workup checks for it properly.

Babesia is a malaria-like parasite carried by the same tick that carries Lyme. Because it is a parasite and not a bacterium, the antibiotics typically used for Lyme have no effect on it. It is seldom tested for, so people can finish Lyme treatment, still feel sick, and not understand why.

The CDC classifies Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia as high-incidence areas for Lyme. Standard two-tier blood testing catches only 22 to 36 percent of early infections, so a negative result does not rule Lyme out when symptoms are present. Free state and county programs identify a tick's species but do not test it for disease, and broader co-infection testing is not routinely ordered.