Sometimes tiny and hard to spot, ticks can cause serious medical problems including Lyme disease and alpha-gal food allergy, and some life-threatening diseases such as ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
In recent years we have seen a significant jump in reports of tick-borne diseases. For example, in 2023, the number of reported local RCAHD Lyme disease cases (91 cases) increased more than 50% over 2022 (58 cases).
Tick-borne diseases can pose a serious public health threat because if left untreated, in some situations they can lead to severe illness requiring hospitalization or even death. We are also seeing increases in acquired red meat allergies caused by ticks, sometimes referred to as "alpha-gal syndrome."
Although more than 15 different types of ticks have been found in Virginia, the ticks of particular concern are:
- the black-legged tick, which transmits Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis and more.
- the Lonestar tick, found in suburban areas at lower elevations such as ours, which transmits ehrlichiosis and alpha-gal syndrome.
- the American dog tick, which can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
The most important protection strategies are those that prevent you from being bitten in the first place. The best protection is to use an insect repellant that protects against both ticks and mosquitoes, such as those with a concentration of 20-50% DEET. Follow the product label directions for safe use on your skin and on your clothes. Although natural substances such as eucalyptus or lemon oil have repellant qualities, they may not be as effective as DEET.
Pre-treat your shoes and clothes with permethrin spray to provide a long-lasting repellant barrier. Also, tuck your pants into your socks when you are outdoors, and remember to protect your pets: medicated collars, and oral or topical products formulated specially for pets can be very effective.
After outdoor activity, inspect yourself and your children, clothing, and gear for ticks. The running water of a shower can also wash away ticks before they attach.
Before going outside:
- Apply EPA-registered insect repellent
- Treat clothes and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin
- Stick to the path and avoid brushy areas
- Prevent ticks on pets
Speaking of bites... Summertime is also prime mosquito season! While we have over 60 different types of mosquitos in Virginia, the Asian Tiger mosquito is one of the most common. West Nile virus is the leading cause of locally-acquired, mosquito-borne infection in Virginia. Reduce the places where mosquitos can breed and find a home near you. Tip and toss any standing water in your yard. More from VDH: FAQs about Mosquitos
QUIZ- Test Your Knowledge!
If you find a tick, all of the following steps for removal of the tick are suggested EXCEPT:
-
A. Use tweezers to carefully pull the tick straight away from your skin removing the head as well as the body.
- B. Avoid squeezing the tick's mid-section.
- C. Smother the tick with nail polish remover or petroleum jelly.
- D. After tick removal, clean the skin and bite area with rubbing alcohol.
Keep scrolling to see if you got it right!
