Recognize the risks and stay protected outdoors

Ticks aren’t just a nuisance—they’re vectors for serious diseases. Depending on where you live or travel in the U.S., different types of ticks can expose you to a range of illnesses. Understanding the risks is the first step toward prevention.

Key Tick-Borne Diseases in the U.S.

1. Lyme Disease

• Transmitted by: Blacklegged tick (also known as deer tick)

• Common regions: Northeastern U.S., Upper Midwest, Pacific Coast

• Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, headache, bullseye rash, joint pain

• If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause long-term neurological and joint complications.

2. Powassan Virus (POW)

• Transmitted by: Blacklegged tick and groundhog tick

• Common regions: Northeastern U.S. and Great Lakes region

• Symptoms: Fever, confusion, seizures, memory loss

• This rare virus can lead to serious neurologic illness and requires hospitalization in severe cases.

3. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

• Transmitted by:

  • American dog tick

  • Rocky Mountain wood tick

  • Brown dog tick

• Common regions: Southeastern and south-central U.S.; also seen in Central and South America

• Symptoms: High fever, headache, rash, nausea

• RMSF can be fatal if not treated early with antibiotics.

Prevention Tips

• Use EPA-registered insect repellents with DEET on exposed skin

• Treat clothing and gear with Permethrin

• Wear long sleeves and pants when hiking or in wooded areas

• Perform thorough tick checks after outdoor activity

• Shower soon after being outside to wash away unattached ticks

Tick-borne diseases are on the rise—but they’re also preventable. With the right precautions, you can explore the outdoors with confidence.