Tick-Borne Diseases

Ticks can spread disease when they bite. Most of the tick-borne diseases in North Carolina are from a bacterial infection and can cause flu-like symptoms in people. They can be treated with antibiotics if caught early. Untreated, they may lead to serious health problems, including death in rare cases.

Most notably, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) and Lyme disease bacteria are spread through the bite of infected ticks. Ticks that carry RMSF include the American dog tick, the brown dog tick, and the Rocky Mountain wood tick. The black-legged tick (or deer tick) can be found in wooded areas and is the culprit for Lyme disease here in western North Carolina. RMSF and other tick-borne diseases can be prevented by avoiding tick bites. Use insect repellent, remove ticks promptly, and eliminate the places where ticks like to hang out around your home.