Tickborne Diseases
Black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis)
Tickborne diseases can be caused by viruses (also called arboviruses), bacteria, and parasites and are spread through the bite of an infected tick. Many of these infections can occur in both humans and pets such as dogs. The most common tickborne disease in West Virginia is Lyme disease, although other diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and ehrlichiosis are also reported. Tickborne infections can cause many symptoms but fever, aches, and rash are most common. Most infections occur from late spring through early fall when ticks are most active.
Using tick repellent, checking one’s body for ticks, and properly removing ticks are good methods to prevent tickborne diseases. Antibiotics should be used to treat bacterial tickborne infections and are most effective at preventing severe complications when given early in the course of illness.
Available Online CME Courses for Tickborne Diseases
Required Forms
General Information
Surveillance Information
For individual disease information click on the disease name listed at the
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