ER visits due to tick bites are at the highest level since 2017. With Tennessee’s wooded areas and outdoor culture, knowing how to protect yourself and your family matters more than ever.
Dr. Amy Vehec, a medical director at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, says the good news is that while ticks and mosquitoes can cause infection, they usually don’t.
“There are things we can do to decrease the risk of getting bitten or getting an infection,” Dr. Vehec says. “Taking precautions before going outdoors can help make the time safer and more enjoyable.”
Why tick bites are on the rise
Dr. Vehec: Several factors contribute to more tick bites. Tick seasons are getting longer. Activity begins earlier in spring and lasts further into fall. Changing weather patterns and rising temperatures, may play a role, as earlier spring warming extends warm seasons.
Tick ranges also appear to be expanding. And more people spending time outdoors in warmer weather increases exposure. Some of the increases may also reflect greater public awareness of tick-related dangers as some people are being tested and treated because they are now more aware of tick-borne diseases.
Common misconceptions about ticks and mosquitoes
Dr. Vehec: There are several misconceptions about ticks and mosquitoes:
A tick must be seen to cause illness. Many immature or “seed” ticks are tiny and easily missed.
A tick must be attached for a long time to cause illness. The amount of time needed to transmit disease varies by disease and tick species.
All ticks carry Lyme disease. Only the blacklegged (deer) tick can transmit Lyme disease. Lyme disease is occasionally reported in Tennessee. It is much more common in the northeast and north central U.S. than in Tennessee.
Mosquito-borne illnesses don’t happen in the U.S. While more common in tropical countries, they do occur here.
Tick and mosquito-borne diseases in Tennessee
Dr. Vehec: Tennessee residents are at risk for several diseases:
Tick-borne: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (American dog ticks), Ehrlichiosis (Lone Star ticks), Lyme disease (occasionally in Tennessee), and Alpha-gal syndrome — an allergic response to tick bites, not an infection.
Mosquito-borne: West Nile virus (statewide) and La Crosse Encephalitis virus (more common in eastern Tennessee).
How to prevent tick and mosquito bites
Dr. Vehec: These strategies may help against both ticks and mosquitoes:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants with legs tucked into socks or boots. Light-colored clothing makes ticks easier to spot.
- Treat clothing with permethrin spray and allow it to dry fully before wearing. Protection typically lasts through several washings.
- Insect repellant may help on exposed skin. Some repellants work against ticks, mosquitoes, chiggers, biting flies and fleas.
How to check for ticks
Dr. Vehec: After being outdoors, especially in regions where ticks are known to be present, check all skin surfaces for ticks. Pay close attention to hidden areas like the scalp, behind the ears, underarms, and behind the knees.
If you find a tick, you need to remove it. Use fine-tipped tweezers and grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible. Pull the tick away from the skin with steady even pressure until it pulls free.
If the mouth parts stay in the skin, this does NOT typically increase the risk of infection. Don’t dig or squeeze the area. After removal, wash the area with soap and water or wipe it with alcohol. Place the tick in tape or a sealed container if identification might be needed later.
Warning signs to watch for
Dr. Vehec: Seek medical attention if you develop any of the following symptoms after a tick bite or time outdoors:
- Fever without an obvious cause
- Significant headache
- Any new rash
- Joint pain or swelling
- Fatigue or generally feeling poorly
“Tennessee has many opportunities for outdoor fun,” Dr. Vehec says. “Ticks and mosquitoes don’t need to get in the way of enjoying the great outdoors.”
More from Dr. Amy Vehec on WellTuned
Get more information about specific health terms, topics and conditions to better manage your health on bcbst.com. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members can access wellness-related discounts on fitness products, gym memberships, healthy eating and more through Blue365®. BCBST members can also find tools and resources to help improve health and well-being by logging into BlueAccess and going to the Managing Your Health tab.