### Ticks and the Diseases They Cause Ticks are tiny creatures related to spiders that can cause a variety of illnesses. They have flat, oval bodies and feed on the blood of animals and humans. Here are some key points about ticks and the diseases they spread: #### Where Ticks Live - Ticks are found in wooded areas with shrubs, tall grasses, weeds, and leaf litter. - They can also be found in overgrown patches in yards, woodpiles, and bird feeders. - Different regions in the United States have different types of ticks. #### Who's Likely to Be Bitten - People playing, gardening, or doing yardwork are at risk. - Ticks can hitch a ride on pets or other animals and drop off in your yard. - Anyone living in an area with ticks has a chance of being bitten. #### Diseases Caused by Ticks - **Lyme Disease**: Common in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Upper Midwest. Symptoms include a bull’s-eye rash and flu-like symptoms. - **Anaplasmosis**: Found in the Northeast and Upper Midwest. Causes flu-like symptoms and is treated with antibiotics. - **Babesiosis**: Also in the Northeast and Upper Midwest. Affects red blood cells and can be life-threatening for some. - **Borrelia Mayamotoi**: Found in the Northeast and Upper Midwest. Causes joint pain and flu-like symptoms. - **Colorado Tick Fever**: Found in Rocky Mountain states. Causes recurring fever. - **Ehrlichiosis**: Found in the south-central and eastern U.S. Causes flu-like symptoms and sometimes a rash. - **Heartland Virus**: Found in the Midwest, Northeast, and South. Causes flu-like symptoms. - **Powassan Virus**: Found in the Great Lakes region and Northeast. Can cause memory loss and seizures. - **Red Meat Allergy**: Caused by lone star tick bites, leading to an allergy to red meat. - **Rickettsia Parkerii Rickettsiosis**: Found along the Gulf Coast. Causes a dark scab and rash. - **Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever**: Common in the Southeast. Causes a severe headache, high fever, and rash. - **Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI)**: Similar to Lyme disease but cause is unknown. - **Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever**: Found in mountainous areas. Causes recurring fever cycles. - **Tularemia**: Found across the U.S. Causes high fever and painful sores. - **364D Rickettsiosis**: Found in California. Causes fever and a dark scab. Most tick-borne diseases cause flu-like symptoms and are treatable with antibiotics. Early treatment is crucial for the best outcomes.