Ticks are spreading rapidly into new parts of the United States, carrying dangerous diseases like Lyme, anaplasmosis, and Powassan virus. Climate change, urbanization, and wildlife movement are fueling this expansion, putting more people at risk.
Key Takeaways
Ticks are moving into new areas, including regions previously considered low-risk. Lyme disease remains the biggest threat, but other illnesses like babesiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever are rising. Warmer winters and longer seasons allow ticks to survive and thrive in new locations.
Prevention is critical—use repellents, check for ticks, and protect pets.
Where Are Ticks Spreading?
1. Northeast & Midwest
Lyme disease hotspots expanding into Canada and the upper Midwest.
Blacklegged (deer) ticks now found in new counties.
2. Southeast & Gulf Coast
Lone Star ticks (linked to alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy) spreading northward.
Increased cases of ehrlichiosis and tularemia.
3. Western U.S.
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
| Disease | Primary Tick Carrier | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Lyme disease | Blacklegged tick | Fever, fatigue, bullseye rash, joint pain |
| Anaplasmosis | Blacklegged tick | Flu-like symptoms, severe if untreated |
| Babesiosis | Blacklegged tick | Malaria-like illness (fever, chills, anemia) |
| Powassan virus | Blacklegged tick | Rare but severe (neurological damage, death in some cases) |
| Alpha-gal syndrome | Lone Star tick | Allergic reaction to red meat (delayed hives, anaphylaxis) |
| Rocky Mountain spotted fever | American dog tick | Rash, 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.
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