11 Tick-Borne Illnesses That Outdoor Enthusiasts Should Know

As residents enjoy outdoor activities, health officials warn of tick-related diseases lurking in grassy and forested areas.

As Morristown residents revel in the summer months, enjoying outdoor adventures and nature escapades, health officials are issuing a cautionary note about the risk of tick-borne illnesses.

Ticks, tiny blood-sucking insects, are found throughout the United States, barring Alaska. While not all species are harmful to humans, less than ten are known to bite, potentially transmitting a variety of diseases. While not every tick-borne disease is life-threatening, untreated cases can become fatal.

Lurking in the Greens

Ticks inhabit areas with lush vegetation such as tall grass, bushes, and fallen leaves. Once they latch on, ticks begin feeding on their host's blood. The longer they feed, the higher the risk of transmitting bacteria, viruses, or pathogens, leading to tick-borne diseases.

Preventive Measures

Before embarking on outdoor excursions, particularly from spring to fall when ticks are more active, consider using a tick repellent. Upon returning indoors, conduct a thorough tick-check on your body, pets, and children. If found, remove ticks immediately using tweezers.

Know Your Foes

Here are 11 tick-borne illnesses that outdoor enthusiasts should be aware of:

Lyme Disease: The most common tick-borne disease in the U.S, Lyme disease is caused by ticks contaminated with Borrelia burgdorferi, originating from squirrels, mice, or other small mammals. Symptoms resemble the flu, with the addition of an oval-shaped rash.
Babesiosis: This parasitic infection might show no symptoms initially, or could be mistaken for the flu. Untreated babesiosis can lead to life-threatening conditions including organ failure.
Ehrlichiosis: This infection may trigger flu-like symptoms plus confusion, nausea, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. If left untreated, ehrlichiosis can cause serious complications, including organ failure and nerve or brain damage.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF): RMSF is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. Misdiagnosis or untreated cases can lead to damaged muscles, nerves, organs, and leaking blood vessels.
Anaplasmosis: Transmitted by deer ticks and Western black-legged ticks, anaplasmosis can cause confusion, seizures, heart and kidney failure, and even induce a coma.
Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI): STARI provokes symptoms ranging from fatigue to muscle pain. It's transmitted by the Lone Star tick, prevalent in central Texas, Oklahoma, the southern states, and the Atlantic Coast.
Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF): TBRF is caused by various species of bacteria transmitted by infected soft ticks. Symptoms appear in cycles and, without treatment, can repeat several times.
Tularemia: Found in squirrels, wild rodents, certain birds, and rabbits, Tularemia can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on the type of tularemia developed.
Colorado Tick Fever (CTF): Most common in the western U.S., CTF is typically caused by Rocky Mountain wood tick bites. Most patients present mild symptoms and recover independently.
Powassan Encephalitis: A rare disease carried by the black-legged or deer tick, Powassan Encephalitis can lead to severe symptoms like seizures, encephalitis, and meningitis.
Q Fever: Transmitted by the Coxiella burnetii bacterium, Q Fever is a threat to farm and slaughterhouse workers and veterinarians. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and affected heart valves may need surgery.