TOPEKA – While ticks and mosquitoes are a natural part of our environment, it is important to know that some can transmit harmful diseases. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) tracks diseases caused by ticks and mosquitoes and, as of May 29, 2024, has received more than 200 laboratory reports of tick-borne diseases. Additionally, KDHE has received several reports of tick bites and complaints of large numbers of ticks, indicating that tick activity and density are increasing and are occurring early in the season this year.
Numerous tick-borne diseases caused by bacteria are present in Kansas. These include ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other spotted fever group rickettsioses (SFGR), and tularemia. Two rare tick-borne viruses, Heartland virus and Bourbon virus, have also been identified in Kansas in both humans and ticks. All of these tick-borne diseases are transmitted by the Lone Star tick, the most abundant tick in Kansas. Lone Star ticks can be found widely in at least the eastern two-thirds of the state in a variety of habitats and are aggressive biters of humans. This year alone, KDHE has investigated several cases of tick-borne illnesses with serious health outcomes, including hospitalizations due to Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia, and a fatal case of Bourbon virus.
“Vector-borne diseases, both tick-borne and mosquito-borne, are extremely active this year,” said Dr. Erin Petro, KDHE state public health veterinarian. “I really encourage people to take the risk of vector-borne diseases seriously and take personal protective measures for themselves and their pets to reduce the chances of contracting an illness from a tick or mosquito bite. “We are also seeing emerging tick-associated diseases, such as Alpha-gal syndrome, which can have lifelong consequences for those affected, which is why bite prevention is so important.”
In addition to the increase in tick-borne illnesses being reported to KDHE, there has been an increase in case reports of West Nile virus (WNV), which is a notifiable disease. While WNV cases occur every year in Kansas, the worrying trend this year is how early it is being detected. WNV cases usually begin from late July to early August. However, KDHE has already reported two cases of WNV.
These cases serve as an important reminder to take precautions while enjoying the outdoors this summer. Ticks are commonly found along trail edges, in tall grasses, and in wooded and shady areas. Mosquitoes are usually most common at dawn and dusk and can breed in small amounts of standing water.
To reduce your risk of contracting a vector-borne disease, take the following steps:
- Use an EPA-registered insect repellent such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 on all exposed skin. If you are camping or hiking, treat clothing and equipment with products containing 0.5 percent permethrin.
- When gardening, hiking, camping, or recreating in areas where ticks and mosquitoes may be found, wear long pants tucked into socks or boots, if possible. Additionally, light-colored clothing can make tick detection easier.
- Take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors, such as emptying standing water, especially in tires, tarps, and old flower pots. Empty bird baths at least once a week to interrupt the mosquito life cycle.
- Ensure pets remain tick-free by consulting with a veterinarian about tick prevention products.
- After spending time outdoors, shower and check again for ticks (some can be difficult to spot). Vital areas to check are in and around the hair and ears, under the arms, inside the belly button, around the waist, between the legs and the back of the knees.
- If you have been bitten by a tick, do not squeeze it. Remove it with tweezers by grasping the tick as close to the surface of the skin as possible and then pulling straight out. Dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet. Don’t forget to check pets for ticks.
- Pay attention to common signs and symptoms of vector-borne illnesses, such as fever/chills, body aches, and/or rash. If any of these symptoms occur within a few weeks of spending time outdoors in areas that may have ticks or mosquitoes, it is important to talk to a doctor about getting tested for vector-borne diseases.
For more information, visit KDHE Tick-borne Disease Fact Stories for more information about tick-borne diseases, the specific signs and symptoms of each disease, preventing tick bites, and their distribution. CDC also has additional information information on vector-borne diseases on their website.
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