5 Diseases You Can Get from Ticks

Mosquitoes get the most hate for being the biggest summertime pests and its often deserved. They are, after all, the world’s deadliest animal and the most annoying guest at any Michigan backyard barbeque. Ticks, however, are also quite problematic and can spread disease to animals and humans. These are five diseases you can get from ticks in Michigan.

Lyme Disease

In the state of Michigan, tick-borne diseases are considered “reportable diseases” which means there is data on the prevalence and risk associated with ticks and tick-related illnesses. In southeastern lower Michigan, there have been at least two confirmed cases of Lyme Disease in Washtenaw and Livingston counties and surrounding counties are considered at risk. In general, counties in the north and west of the state have the most Lyme Disease activity.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is still rare in Michigan, with the south and southeast, particularly North Carolina, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Missouri having reported the most cases. The tick-borne illness is curable with antibiotics, but can be fatal if not treated. While not a prominent threat in Michigan at this time, this is a disease experts are keeping an eye on as it is transmitted by the American dog tick, the most common tick species in Michigan.

Tularemia

Like many tick-borne illnesses, Tularemia is extremely rare and most common in the southern US. It can cause fever, chills, headache, and nausea. Tularemia is also caused by the bite of the American dog tick, also known as the wood tick, and the Lone Star tick, but can be caused by a variety of other exposure methods and more commonly affects animals. Female ticks can spread Tularemia while they are active, often between May and July.

Anaplasmosis

Blacklegged ticks, also known as Deer ticks, are about 15% of the tick population in Michigan and can cause Anaplasmosis. While rare overall, the disease is most commonly reported in the Northeast and upper Midwest. Anaplasmosis is cured with a strong antibiotic but can be fatal if not treated.

Babesiosis

Babesiosis is a parasitic infection transmitted by a tick bite. Ticks often transmit this disease when they are in the nymph stage, and therefore very small, so infected people may not even remember being bit. The Babesiosis parasites infect the red blood cells of the host and because of this, are especially dangerous to people without a spleen, however many cases are asymptomatic and treatment is available.

Preventing tick-borne illness and diseases is easier than you may think and it starts with preventing ticks. Keep your yard free of ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, and other pests this year by scheduling tick repellent yard treatments today.

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