Beware of Lyme Disease: Essential Information and Tick Identification

Types of Ticks and Their Significance

Out of nearly 900 tick species worldwide, two notable ones carry Lyme disease. These ticks can be distinguished by their physical attributes:

Deer Tick

Adult deer ticks are commonly known to be carriers of the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease.

Black-Legged Tick

The Ixodes tick, also known as the black-legged tick, is prevalent in the eastern and upper midwest regions of the United States. This tick species also transmits Lyme disease.

Widespread Presence of Lyme-Carrying Ticks

Lyme disease-carrying deer ticks are found throughout the upper Midwest, northeastern, and mid-Atlantic states. These ticks pose a significant risk in these regions.

Precautions and Prevention

To protect yourself from Lyme disease, take the following precautions:

• Wear long sleeves and pants when in wooded areas.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin.
• Check your body thoroughly for ticks after spending time outdoors.
• Remove attached ticks promptly using fine-tipped tweezers.
• Monitor yourself for symptoms of Lyme disease, such as fever, chills, and a bullseye rash.