Beyond Lyme Disease: Other Types of Tick-Borne Illness

Sunshine, fresh air — and ticks. The part of the outdoor season nobody looks forward to. But those tiny pests are more than just annoying. They can carry diseases that may have a serious impact on your health. 

While many people have heard of Lyme disease, there are several other types of tick-borne illnesses. The good news is that many of them are preventable and treatable. Knowing how to protect yourself is the first step.

So, before you hit the trails, mow the lawn or let the kids explore the backyard, here is what you should know. 

What Are Tick-Borne Illnesses? 

Ticks are small, spider-like parasites. They live off host creatures — like animals and humans — by feeding on their blood. In the process, they can pass along harmful bacteria or viruses that cause illness. To attach themselves, ticks crawl onto your exposed skin or clothing. They often latch on in warm, hidden areas like your underarms or hairline. Once they bite your skin, they can stay there for several days, feeding until they eventually become full and fall off.

Common Tick-Borne Diseases to Know 

Ticks live around the world, especially in wooded, grassy or brushy areas where they can easily find hosts. In the Northeast, Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness. But it is not the only one. 

Others include: 

• Anaplasmosis — This bacterial illness spreads through the same black-legged (deer) ticks that carry Lyme disease. It can cause fever, headache and muscle aches.
• Babesiosis — This parasitic infection attacks red blood cells. It can be dangerous, especially for people with a weakened immune system (immunocompromised).
• Ehrlichiosis — This bacterial infection can cause fever, headache, muscle aches and upset stomach.
• Powassan virus — This rare but serious viral infection can lead to seizures and brain swelling.
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) — Spread by several tick types, this illness begins with fever, headache, muscle pain and rash. In rare cases, it can become life-threatening.
• Tularemia — Also known as rabbit fever — is an infectious disease that causes skin ulcers and swollen lymph nodes. 

Not all ticks carry disease, but when they do, the effects can be serious. Staying informed of the signs and symptoms of tick-borne illness can help you stay safe. 

Signs of a Tick Bite 

After a tick bite, symptoms do not always show up right away. Sometimes, it takes days or weeks for the first signs of illness to appear. Some people never notice the bite at all. That makes tick-borne illnesses tricky to spot. 

Many cases start with vague, flu-like symptoms, like fatigue, fever, muscle aches and headaches. You might get a skin rash, but it depends on the disease. For example, Lyme disease often causes a round “bull’s eye” rash. RMSF appears with small, red spots, usually on the wrists and ankles.