As the weather gets warmer and we start spending more time outdoors, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers that come with it. One of those dangers is tick-borne diseases. Tick-borne diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that are transmitted through the bite of an infected tick.

These diseases can have a range of symptoms, some of which can be serious or even deadly. In this blog post, we will explore what you need to know about tick-borne diseases and how to stay safe this summer. We will cover everything from the symptoms to look out for to tips on preventing tick bites in the first place.

What are tick-borne diseases?

Tick-borne diseases are caused by infections that are transmitted through the bite of a tick. These diseases can be serious and even life-threatening. The most common tick-borne diseases in the United States include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Powassan virus infection.

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the United States. It is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged or deer tick. Symptoms of Lyme disease can include fever, headache, fatigue, and a distinctive bull’s-eye rash. If left untreated, Lyme disease can spread to other parts of the body and cause more serious problems, including joint pain, heart problems, and neurological problems.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is another common tick-borne disease in the United States. It is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii and is transmitted through the bite of an infected American dog tick or Rocky Mountain wood tick. Symptoms of RMSF can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, and a characteristic rash that begins on the wrists and ankles and spreads to other parts of the body. RMSF can be a very serious illness; if not treated promptly with antibiotics, it can be fatal.

Powassan virus infection is a rare but potentially deadly tick-borne disease that is caused by the Powassan

07 Most Common Tick-Borne Diseases In The US

Ticks are more than just a nuisance; they can also transmit diseases to both humans and animals. In fact, tick-borne diseases are on the rise in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seven diseases caused by ticks have been reported in the US:

Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, tularemia, and Powassan virus infection. Of these, Lyme disease is the most common, with over 30,000 cases reported in 2017 alone. However, all of these diseases can be dangerous if left untreated. In this blog post, we will explore the seven most common tick-borne diseases in the United States and what you can do to protect yourself from them.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, and it is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected black-legged tick. Lyme disease can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, headache, fatigue, and a bulls-eye rash. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to more serious problems, including joint pain, heart problems, and even paralysis. Lyme disease is most common in the northeastern United States, but it has also been reported in other parts of the country.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is the most common tick-borne disease in the US. It is a serious and potentially fatal illness caused by the bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii. RMSF typically begins with a sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain, followed by a rash that starts on the wrists and ankles and spreads to the trunk of the body. If left untreated, RMSF can lead to serious complications, including death. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to preventing serious health problems from RMSF.

Colorado Tick Fever

Colorado tick fever (CTF) is a viral infection that is transmitted to humans by infected Rocky Mountain wood ticks. Symptoms of CTF include fever, headache, muscle pain, and nausea. In severe cases, the illness can lead to meningitis or encephalitis. CTF is most common in the western United States, particularly in the Rocky Mountain region.

Babesiosis

Babesiosis is a parasitic infection that is transmitted to humans by infected ticks. The disease is caused by the protozoan Babesia microti, which infects red blood cells. Symptoms of babesiosis can range from mild to severe and include fever, chills, sweats, muscle aches, fatigue, and nausea. In severe cases, the disease can lead to hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells), kidney failure, and death. There is no specific treatment for babesiosis, but the disease can be successfully treated with a combination of antibiotics and supportive care.

Ehrlichiosis

Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne disease that affects dogs and humans. It is caused by the bacteria Ehrlichia canis, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Symptoms of ehrlichiosis include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, joint pain, and lameness. In severe cases, the disease can lead to death. Treatment for ehrlichiosis involves antibiotics and supportive care.

Anaplasmosis

Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick. Symptoms of anaplasmosis include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. In severe cases, the disease can lead to pneumonia, kidney failure, and death. Anaplasmosis is most common in the northeastern and upper midwestern United States.

If you are bitten by a tick and develop any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away and tell them about your exposure to ticks. Anaplasmosis can be treated with antibiotics.

Tularemia

Tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted to humans by infected animals, most commonly rabbits. The bacteria that cause tularemia are found in many parts of the world, including the United States.

Symptoms of tularemia include fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue. The illness can progress to pneumonia and even death if not treated promptly with antibiotics.

Tularemia is most often seen in the spring and summer months when people are more likely to be outdoors and in contact with infected animals. It is important to take steps to avoid exposure to tularemia, such as wearing gloves when handling rabbits or other potentially infected animals, and using tick repellent when spending time in areas where ticks are common.

How do you get tick-borne diseases?

Tick-borne diseases are caused by infection with a variety of viruses, bacteria, and parasites that are transmitted by ticks. These diseases can be difficult to diagnose and treat, and they can have serious consequences if left untreated.

There are a number of ways to get tick-borne diseases. The most common is through the bite of an infected tick. Ticks can also transmit disease-causing organisms to humans through their feces. In rare cases, humans can contract a tick-borne disease from contact with infected animal blood or tissues.

Tick-borne diseases can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild flu-like illness to severe and life-threatening infections. Some of the more common tick-borne diseases include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and anaplasmosis.

If you think you may have been exposed to a tick-borne disease, it is important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential for preventing serious complications from these diseases.

What are the symptoms of tick-borne diseases?

Tick-borne diseases are illnesses that are transmitted by ticks. Ticks are small, arachnid-like creatures that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians. They are found in wooded or grassy areas, and can attach themselves to humans and animals who brush past them.

Ticks can transmit a number of different diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and tularemia. Each of these diseases has its own set of symptoms, which may include fever, headache, rash, joint pain, muscle aches, fatigue, and nausea. If you think you may have been exposed to a tick-borne disease, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible so that you can be properly diagnosed and treated.

How can you prevent tick-borne diseases?

Tick-borne diseases are a major public health concern in the United States. Each year, thousands of people are diagnosed with Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other tick-borne illnesses.

There are a number of steps you can take to prevent tick-borne diseases:

• Use insect repellent. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus can help keep ticks off your body. Always follow the product label instructions.

• Wear long sleeves and pants. Ticks can attach to any part of your body, but they’re most likely to climb up from the ground onto your legs and lower body. Wearing long sleeves and pants helps keep them off your skin.

• Check for ticks after spending time outdoors. Ticks like to hide in warm, dark places on the body. Be sure to check under your arms, in your groin area, and behind your knees for ticks after spending time outdoors.

• Remove ticks promptly and properly. If you find a tick on your body, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick by the head or mouthparts and pull it straight out without crushing it. Then wash the bite area with soap and water or alcohol (if available).

What should you do if you think you have a tick-borne disease?

If you think you have a tick-borne disease, the first thing you should do is see a doctor. Tick-borne diseases can be difficult to diagnose, so it is important to get a professional opinion.

Your doctor will likely ask about your symptoms and when they started. They may also want to know if you have been in an area where ticks are common. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have removed a tick from your body in the past few weeks.

Your doctor may order one or more tests to confirm whether or not you have a tick-borne disease. These tests may include blood tests, X-rays, or MRI scans. Once your diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan.

Conclusion

With tick-borne diseases on the rise in recent years, it’s more important than ever to be aware of the risks and take precautions to protect yourself. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take to avoid getting bitten by a tick in the first place. If you do get bitten, be sure to watch for any signs or symptoms of illness and see a doctor right away. By following these tips, you can help keep yourself safe this summer season.