Common Tick Species and Diseases in the United States
There are over 80 recognized tick species in the United States, but only a handful frequently come into contact with humans. The most common disease-carrying tick varieties include:
Blacklegged Tick (Deer Tick)
The blacklegged tick (also known as the deer tick) can transmit:
- Lyme disease
- Anaplasmosis
- Babesiosis
- Powassan virus
Below is an image of an adult blacklegged tick:
Lone Star Tick
The Lone Star tick can transmit:
- Ehrlichiosis
- Tularemia
- Heartland virus
- STARI (Southern tick-associated rash illness)
Below is an image of a lone star tick:
American Dog Tick (Wood Tick)
The American dog tick (wood tick) can transmit:
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Tularemia
Below is an image of a male American dog tick:
Brown Dog Tick
The brown dog tick can transmit:
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Canine ehrlichiosis
Below is an image of a brown dog tick:
Gulf Coast Tick
The Gulf Coast tick can transmit:
- Spotted fever rickettsiosis
Below is an image of a Gulf Coast tick:
How Ticks Spread Disease
Ticks transmit pathogens that cause disease through their saliva when they attach to and bite hosts. Different tick species can spread different diseases. The risk depends on factors like:
- The length of time the tick is attached
- The tick variety
- The geographic area
- Whether the tick carries disease-causing pathogens
Many tick-borne diseases have similar early symptoms like fever, chills, fatigue, and rash. Seeking prompt medical treatment and knowing your exposure risk can help diagnose and manage tick-borne diseases.
Top Tick-Borne Diseases
Some of the most common tick-borne illnesses include:
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is transmitted by blacklegged ticks infected with the borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. Early symptoms include rash, fever, and flu-like symptoms. Left untreated, Lyme can cause long-term joint, heart, and nervous system complications.
Anaplasmosis
Anaplasmosis is an infectious bacterial disease caused by the Anaplasma phagocytophilum bacterium spread by blacklegged ticks. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, and headache.
Ehrlichiosis
Ehrlichiosis is caused by Ehrlichia bacteria spread through lone star tick bites. Symptoms are similar to anaplasmosis and include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is caused by Rickettsia rickettsii bacteria transmitted by American dog ticks and brown dog ticks. Symptoms include fever, rash, headache, and muscle pain.
Babesiosis
Babesiosis is caused by Babesia parasites spread by blacklegged ticks. Symptoms often resemble malaria with fever, chills, fatigue, and nausea.
How to Safely Remove an Embedded Tick
If you find a tick embedded on your skin, proper removal technique is important to avoid leaving the tick's mouthparts behind or squeezing more pathogens into the bite. Follow these steps for safe tick removal:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers and grasp the tick as close to your skin's surface as possible.
- Pull upward slowly and steadily without twisting until the tick releases its grip.
- Disinfect the bite area and your hands thoroughly with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or an antiseptic.
- Dispose of the tick by putting it in alcohol, sealing it in a bag, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet.
- Monitor for symptoms of illness and call your doctor if any develop.
Avoid using your fingers directly or irritating the tick during removal. Once removed, make note of the date and where on your body you encountered the tick.
How to Prevent Tick Bites and Exposure
You can take these key steps to prevent tick bites:
Avoid Tick Habitats
Stay away from wooded, bushy areas with tall grass and leaf litter where ticks thrive. Stick to main hiking trails when in parks and forests.
Use Repellent
Apply an EPA-approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin and clothing when outside.
Wear Light Colored Clothing
Wear long sleeves, long pants tucked into socks and closed toe shoes when in tick areas. Light colors help spot ticks more easily.
Perform Tick Checks
Check yourself, children, and pets thoroughly for ticks after being outdoors. Pay close attention to the underarms, behind ears, waistband, and hairline.
Shower After Exposure
Showering within two hours of potential tick exposure can help wash off unattached ticks.
Treat Clothing and Gear
Consider treating clothing and camping gear with permethrin for extra repellency. Dry items on high heat to kill ticks.
What to Do After a Tick Bite
If you are bitten by a tick, make sure to:
- Properly disinfect and clean the bite site.
- Carefully remove any remaining parts of the tick if necessary.
- Preserve the tick in rubbing alcohol for potential testing and identification.
- Watch for symptoms like rash, fever, and body aches over the next several weeks.
- Call your doctor if any illness signs develop for diagnosis and treatment.
FAQs
What are the most common tick-borne diseases in the US?
The most prevalent tick-borne illnesses in the US include Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and babesiosis.
How can I safely remove an attached tick?
Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull straight up slowly and steadily. Disinfect the area after removal and monitor for symptoms.
Where are ticks most likely to be found?
Ticks thrive in humid, wooded environments with tall grasses and brush. They are most abundant near the ground and on the edge of trails and clearings.
What’s the best way to prevent tick bites?
Preventive measures include avoiding tick habitats, using DEET insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, performing tick checks, and treating clothing and gear with permethrin.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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