Ticks Expand to New U.S. Regions, Bringing Increased Disease Risks


 


  • Rocky Mountain wood ticks moving into higher elevations.

  • First reports of Lyme disease-carrying ticks in California.

4. Urban & Suburban Areas

  • Ticks are no longer just in forests—parks, backyards, and green spaces are now risk zones.


Diseases Carried by Ticks

DiseasePrimary Tick CarrierSymptoms
Lyme diseaseBlacklegged tickFever, fatigue, bullseye rash, joint pain
AnaplasmosisBlacklegged tickFlu-like symptoms, severe if untreated
BabesiosisBlacklegged tickMalaria-like illness (fever, chills, anemia)
Powassan virusBlacklegged tickRare but severe (neurological damage, death in some cases)
Alpha-gal syndromeLone Star tickAllergic reaction to red meat (delayed hives, anaphylaxis)
Rocky Mountain spotted feverAmerican dog tickRash, fever, organ failure if untreated

How to Protect Yourself

✔️ Before Going Outdoors

  • Use EPA-approved repellents (DEET, picaridin, or permethrin-treated clothing).

  • Wear long sleeves, pants, and light-colored clothes (easier to spot ticks).

✔️ After Being Outside

  • Check your body (especially scalp, armpits, groin).

  • Shower within 2 hours to wash off unattached ticks.

  • Inspect pets—they can bring ticks inside.

✔️ In Your Yard

  • Keep grass short and remove leaf litter.

  • Use tick-control treatments if in a high-risk area.

✔️ If You Find a Tick

  • Remove it with tweezers (grasp near the head, pull straight out).

  • Save the tick (in a sealed bag) for testing if symptoms develop.

  • Monitor for symptoms (rash, fever, fatigue) and see a doctor if they appear.


Why Are Ticks Spreading?

  • Climate change → Warmer winters = longer tick seasons.

  • Wildlife movement → Deer, mice, and birds spread ticks to new areas.

  • Urban sprawl → More people living near tick habitats.


Final Thoughts

Ticks are no longer just a rural problem—they’re in backyards, parks, and new regions across the U.S. Awareness and prevention are key to avoiding serious illnesses.