Top 7 Tick Illnesses in the Midwest

A single tick bite can transmit bacteria, viruses or parasites, causing illnesses that range from mild to life-threatening. Here are the top tick-borne diseases and symptoms to watch for.

Lyme Disease

Found in: Deer Tick

Risk of Disease Transmission: Common

Symptoms:

• Bull’s-eye rash (not always present)
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle and joint aches

Health Risks of the Disease: Usually curable with antibiotics, but untreated infection can lead to arthritis, heart and nervous system problems.

Anaplasmosis

Found in: Deer Tick

Risk of Disease Transmission: Common

Symptoms:

• Fever
• Headache
• Chills
• Muscle aches

Health Risks of the Disease: Most people recover with prompt antibiotics, but severe illness can occur if treatment is delayed.

Alpha-Gal

Found in: Lone Star Tick

Risk of Disease Transmission: On the Rise

Symptoms:

• Delayed allergic reaction after eating red meat, including:
• Hives
• Stomach pain
• Anaphylaxis

Health Risks of the Disease: Can range from mild to life-threatening allergic reactions to red meat or dairy.

Babesiosis

Found in: Deer Tick

Risk of Disease Transmission: On the Rise

Symptoms:

• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches

Some people have no symptoms.

Health Risks of the Disease: Can become severe or life-threatening in older adults, people without a spleen or those with weakened immune systems.

Ehrlichiosis

Found in: Lone Star Tick and Deer Tick

Risk of Disease Transmission: On the Rise

Symptoms:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Sometimes a rash

Health Risks of the Disease: Usually responds to antibiotics, but delayed treatment can lead to severe illness or death.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Found in: American Dog Tick, Brown Dog Tick, Lone Star Tick, Rocky Mountain Wood Tick

Risk of Disease Transmission: Rare

Symptoms:

• Sudden fever
• Severe headache
• Rash
• Nausea
• Muscle pain

Health Risks of the Disease: Can be fatal without early antibiotic treatment, making prompt diagnosis critical.

Powassan

Found in: Deer Tick

Risk of Disease Transmission: Rare

Symptoms:

• Fever
• Headache
• Vomiting

Severe cases can cause confusion, seizures and brain inflammation

Health Risks of the Disease: Rare but can cause permanent neurological damage or death.