Tick-borne Diseases
Tick-borne diseases can be caused by viruses (also called arboviruses), bacteria, and parasites and are transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Many of these infections can occur not only in humans but also companion animals such as dogs. The most commonly reported tick-borne illness in West Virginia residents is Lyme disease, although other diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and ehrlichiosis are also reported. Tick-borne infections can cause a variety of symptoms but fever, aches, and rash are most common. Most infections occur from late spring through early fall, when ticks are most active.
Prevention measures for tick-borne disease include using a tick repellant if spending time in wooded, brushy or grassy areas, conducting tick checks after spending time in these areas, and properly removing any ticks found. Bacterial tick-borne infections can be successfully treated using antibiotics.