Learn about the causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies for tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Powassan Virus. Discover how to minimize your risk and what to do if you've been bitten.
As temperatures climb and outdoor activities increase, so does the risk of encountering ticks—especially in New England, a hotspot for tick-borne illnesses. Leading authority on Lyme disease, Robert Kalish, MD, Director of the Tufts Lyme Disease Clinic at the Tufts University Lyme Disease Initiative and Director of Rheumatology Education at Tufts Medical Center, along with infectious disease experts Teena Kohli, MD and Terry Marryshow, MD, offer guidance on understanding the risks and how to protect yourself for a safer, healthier summer.
Why are tick-borne illnesses on the rise?
Over the past 2 decades, the number of tick-borne disease cases in the United States—particularly in the Northeast—has risen steadily. According to the CDC, more than 300,000 Americans are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year, with New England consistently reporting some of the highest rates in the country. Several factors are contributing to this increase:
- Warmer winters and longer growing seasons allow ticks to stay active for more months of the year.
- Expanding deer and rodent populations (tick hosts) have helped spread tick habitats.
- Suburban development into wooded areas has increased human-tick encounters.
- Improved awareness and diagnosis mean more cases are being reported and tracked.
Tick-borne illnesses you should know
- Lyme disease: The most common tick-borne illness in New England, Lyme is spread by black-legged ticks AKA deer tick. It often begins with flu-like symptoms and a “bull’s-eye” rash, but can lead to serious joint, heart or neurological issues if left untreated.
- Anaplasmosis: This illness produces fever, chills, muscle aches and fatigue. It is typically transmitted by the same deer ticks that carry Lyme disease and may not cause a visible rash.
- Babesiosis: This malaria-like illness is caused by a microscopic parasite that infects red blood cells. Symptoms range from mild flu-like discomfort to severe illness, especially in older adults or those with weakened immune systems. Check out the latest research and advancements in combatting babesiosis from the Tufts Medical Center Babesiosis Research Program.
- Powassan Virus: A rare but dangerous viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain (encephalitis) or meningitis. Unlike other tick-borne diseases, Powassan can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes after a tick bite and may result in long-term neurological damage.
Avoiding contact with ticks
You don’t have to go far to find ticks in New England—they’re often right in our backyards. Ticks thrive in wooded, brushy, and grassy areas, especially in humid environments. You’ll often find them in leaf litter, tall grass, shrubs and in low-hanging branches.
Before going outdoors:
- Dress tick smart: Wear long sleeves and pants; tuck pants into socks and choose light colors to spot ticks more easily.
- Apply insect repellent: Use EPA-registered repellents with DEET or picaridin.
- Consider using permethrin-treated outdoor gear and clothing.
While outdoors:
- Stay on clear trails: Avoid tall grass and dense brush.
- Keep pets protected: Use vet-recommended tick preventatives.
After returning indoors:
- Perform a full-body tick check: Focus on knees, scalp, groin and underarms.
- Shower within 2 hours: Washing off can reduce the risk of disease transmission.
- Dry clothes on high heat for 5-10 minutes: Ticks cannot survive a hot dryer.
What to do if you’ve been bitten?
- Remove the tick quickly: Use fine-tipped tweezers to pull upward steadily without twisting.
- Clean the bite area: Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
- Watch for symptoms: Flu-like symptoms or rashes within 3–30 days warrant medical attention.
- Consider taking a photo of the tick, which can help with identification.
Watch how to remove a tick:
When should you seek medical attention?
- If the tick was attached for more than 24 hours
- If you develop fever, chills, joint pain, rash or fatigue
- If you're unsure the tick was removed completely
- Prompt antibiotic treatment for most bacterial tick-borne diseases is highly effective, especially when started early.
The bottom line
The outdoors are meant to be enjoyed and with a few precautions, you can explore safely. As tick-borne illnesses continue to rise in New England, awareness and prevention are your best tools. Check yourself and your loved ones after every outing and reach out to your doctor if you’re concerned about exposure.
Worried about exposure? myTuftsMed lets you chat with a clinician, use our online symptom checker, book appointments, request and refill prescriptions, view and share your records and much more!
