Who gets Morgellons disease?
According to the Morgellons Research Foundation, more than 14,000 families are affected directly and indirectly by Morgellons annually. A study from 2012 by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that, out of 3.2 million participants, Morgellons was prevalent in every 3.65 cases out of 100,000 people.
Within the study, the CDC found a trend for those who are most likely to get Morgellons disease. Other studies found similar risk factors, such as:
• Being middle-aged
• Caucasian
• Female gender
• Has or had Lyme disease
• Has been exposed to tick bites
• Has had blood tests that indicate tick bites
• Has hypothyroidism
A 2013 study concluded that, since Morgellons disease is caused by tick bites, it is not contagious. Even though some individuals might assume it is contagious, given that the disorder can cause open sores and lesions of the skin, along with fibrous formations, it is not easily transmitted between people. The fibers can, however, cause skin irritation to those who come in contact with them.
Interestingly, most reports of Morgellons disease have come from locations in the United States were ticks are numerous, such as California, Florida, and Texas. That said, there have been reports of Morgellons throughout all 50 states and even across the globe.
