Tick Risks Vary by Region. Here's Where Diseases Have Spread and How to Stay Safe

Tick-borne diseases vary regionally across the U.S., with Lyme disease the most prevalent, affecting over 470,000 annually. The Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Upper Midwest report the highest tick bite rates (nearly 20%), primarily from deer ticks carrying Lyme disease and other illnesses like anaplasmosis. The South faces ehrlichiosis, spotted fever rickettsioses, and alpha-gal syndrome, while the West reports fewer bites but still risks including Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Experts recommend preventive measures: treating clothing with permethrin, using EPA-approved repellents, staying on trail centers, frequent tick checks, and prompt tick removal to reduce disease transmission risk. Read the full article by NPR here.