89-year old former Rider University English department chairman dies in Pennsylvania of "various tickborne diseases"

[alert]

I can't even imagine...

First, where does an 89-year-old man encounter a tick in winter in Pennsylvania? And secondly, other than Lyme disease, what else could he have contracted in this area? Spotted fever, CCHF, and other such illnesses aren't found around here. I have found some references to babesiosis and ehrichliosis in this general area, though.

http://www.philly.com/philly/obituaries/20100207_Paul_Sherr__Rider_chairman.html

Paul Sherr, Rider chairman
By Claudia Vargas

Inquirer Staff Writer

Paul C. Sherr, 89, a former chairman of Rider University's English department, an author, and a longtime musician, died Jan. 18 at his home in Holland, Bucks County, after complications from various tick-borne diseases.

 

[Emily]

Re: 89-year old former Rider University English department chairman dies in Pennsylvania of "various tickborne diseases"

That is strange. Maybe these were long-term complications, or a long-held sub-clinical infection(s) that did not become evident until he was older and his immune system function diminished. (Looks like he was an avid traveler, camper, and served in WWII.)

I had a dog that did not evidence erhlichiosis until several years after we had moved from the south where he must have been infected, to western WA where the disease did not exist. I had a sharp vet who picked up on the fact that we had lived in the South in the past, and he suggested the test.

 

[Blue]

Re: 89-year old former Rider University English department chairman dies in Pennsylvania of "various tickborne diseases"

My friend's son developed Lyme Disease one winter in Rhode Island. They suspect that the tick was on their Christmas tree.
My friend literally begged for her son to be tested because the pediatrician did not think it was possible. Finally, after
she asked three times, the doc covering for him ordered testing. The poor kid could not stay awake in school. How his
mother figured out what was wrong is one of life's mysteries.

I have met many people who were diagnosed very late with tick borne diseases, like years later when they began to develop
neurological complications.

 

[alert]

Re: 89-year old former Rider University English department chairman dies in Pennsylvania of "various tickborne diseases"

Long-term Lyme infection can apparently damage the heart as well. That certainly could have been the case with this poor man.

I almost wonder if he was misdiagnosed due to his doctor assuming his symptoms were due to his age.

Keep in mind there was apparently a three-week delay between his death and the publication of the obituary, which is mildly odd.