Overview of Tickborne Diseases
Ticks are tiny bugs most likely found in brushy, wooded, or high grassy areas. They may even be in your own backyard! Ticks can bite you and spread diseases like Lyme disease.
The most common disease spread by ticks in Massachusetts is Lyme disease. This website also has information on babesiosis, anaplasmosis (formerly human granulocytic ehrlichiosis or HGE), tularemia, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Adult Female Deer Tick
Deer ticks are responsible for causing Lyme disease, babesiosis and anaplasmosis (formerly human granulocytic ehrlichiosis or HGE).
Adult Female Dog Tick
Dog ticks are responsible for causing Rocky Mountain spotted fever and certain types of tularemia.
Prevention begins with you, so remember, when you are outside in an area likely to have ticks:
- Wear a light-colored, long-sleeved shirt with long pants and tuck your pants into your socks.
- Use bug repellents. Repellents that contain DEET can be used on your exposed skin. Permethrin is a product that can be used on your clothes. Always follow the product instructions and use repellents with no more than 30-35% DEET on adults and 10-15% DEET on children. Never use insect repellents on infants.
- Check yourself, your children and your pets for ticks after coming inside.
- If you find a tick attached to your skin, don't panic. Use a pair of fine point tweezers to grip the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out with steady pressure.
- Talk to your doctor if you develop a rash where you were bitten or experience symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, or sore and aching muscles.
This information is provided by Communicable Disease Control within the Department of Public Health.