"Reports of tick-borne disease in Washington state are relatively few in comparison to
 some areas of the United States. Though tick-borne disease may not be common,
 the severity of these diseases generates public concern and questions."

The Washington State Department of Health wants to inform you about tick-borne diseases and how to protect yourself. By taking preventive measures to avoid tick bites, you and your family can safely enjoy Washington's great outdoors. If bitten, it is important that you recognize symptoms of a tick-borne disease and promptly seek medical attention. Without early treatment, the effects of these diseases can be serious. 

	What is a tick?
	What diseases can ticks spread?
	How can I avoid getting bitten?
	What to do if I am bitten?
	Who can I contact for more information?

What is a tick?   

Ticks are blood-feeding parasites. Most perch on the edges of low-lying vegetation and wait for an unsuspecting animal host to brush against them, while some ticks prefer to do their waiting in the comfort of the host's nest. Once aboard, ticks crawl until they find a suitable spot to feed, then burrow their mouthparts into the skin for a blood meal. Ticks feed anywhere from several minutes to weeks depending on their life stage, type of host, and species of tick. Amazingly, their bodies slowly enlarge to accommodate the amount of blood ingested. Engorged ticks can be many times their original size as seen below. It is during feeding that infected ticks can transmit disease to their hosts. 

 

Ticks commonly found in Washington belong to one of three genera of ticks, Dermacentor, Ixodes, and Ornithodoros.

• Dermacentor species are found throughout the state. These ticks prefer habitats such as woodland areas, medium height grasses and shrubs between wetlands and woods, and sunny or open areas around woods. Immature ticks feed primarily on small mammals, particularly rodents, while the adults feed on deer, livestock, dogs, and humans.
  
  
• Ixodes species are mainly found in the western part of the state. They live in heavily-forested or dense brushy areas, but not open areas. Preferred hosts for immature ticks are birds and small mammals, primarily rodents. However humans and dogs serve as good substitutes. For adults, common hosts include livestock, dogs, and humans.
  
  
• Ornithodoros species appear confined to the eastern part of the state. The majority of these ticks are nesting parasites preferring burrows and nests. They usually feed on rodents such as squirrels and chipmunks. Humans can be incidental hosts when sleeping in cabins or dwellings inhabited with tick-infested squirrels, chipmunks or other rodents.

What diseases can ticks spread?   

Close to 300 cases of tick-borne disease were confirmed in Washington from 1989 to 2000. Overall, the state has relatively few cases reported each year in comparison to some areas of the United States. The tick-borne diseases recognized in Washington are listed below. Also included in this list are early symptoms of the disease and ticks responsible for transmitting the disease. To learn more about a specific tick-borne disease, click the name to view information available at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Disease and Initial Symptoms	Tick Genus
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Sudden fever Headache Muscle pain Reddish-to-black rash In Washington, one to two cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever occur each year.	Dermacentor
Tick Paralysis Fatigue Leg numbness Muscle pain Difficulty standing or walking Six cases of tick paralysis have occurred in the state during 1989 through 2000.	Dermacentor and Ixodes
Tularemia Fever Headache Swollen lymph nodes Skin ulcer near bite Two to four cases of tularemia occur each year in Washington.	Dermacentor
Babesiosis Fever Chills Fatigue Muscle pain Anemia Babesiosis is rare; only two cases have ever been reported in Washington.	Ixodes
Lyme Disease Fever Headache Stiff neck or neck pain Fatigue Slowly expanding "bull's-eye" rash In Washington, an average of 15 cases occur each year.	Ixodes
Tick-borne Relapsing Fever Sudden fever Headache Nausea and vomiting Muscle and joint pain Reoccurring fever in 2-4 days Four to eight cases of relapsing fever occur each year in Washington.	Ornithodoros

 

Please note that early symptoms of most tick-borne diseases mimic the "flu" with fever, headaches, tiredness, and muscle pain. 

How can I avoid getting bitten?   

When working, camping, or walking in a tick habitat - wooded, brushy, or grassy places - a few simple precautions can reduce your chance of being bitten.

Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck your pant legs into socks or boots and shirt into pants. This can help keep ticks on the outside of your clothing where they can be more easily spotted and removed.
Wear light colored, tightly woven clothing which will allow the dark tick to be seen more easily. The tight weave makes it harder for the tick to attach itself.
Use tick repellent when necessary, and carefully follow instructions on the label. Products containing DEET or permethrin are very effective in repelling ticks. Take special care when using repellents on children.
Check yourself, your children and pets thoroughly for ticks. Carefully inspect areas around the head, neck and ears. Look for what may appear like a new freckle or speck of dirt.

In northeastern Washington, a handful of cases of Tick-borne Relapsing Fever occur each year. Most cases involve individuals who have stayed at a summer cabin or vacation home. If you own a cabin or vacation home in this region, follow these precautions to avoid an encounter with Ornithodoros, the vector of relapsing fever.

Inspect your cabin on a regular basis for signs of rodent activity.

Eliminate rodent nesting areas from your cabin.

Use food and waste-handling practices that eliminate food sources for rodents.

Rodent-proof your cabin as follows:  Seal all holes in foundation and walls. Place heavy gauge metal screens on windows, vents, and other openings to prevent entry of rodents. Place an 18" perimeter border of gravel around the cabin. This can help prevent the movement of rodents and ticks into the cabin.

What to do if I am bitten?   

If you find a tick attached to your skin, promptly remove it. Grasp the tick using tweezers as close to the skin as possible. With a steady motion, pull the tick straight out. Do not twist or jerk. If tweezers are not available, grasp the tick with a piece of tissue. Wash your hands and apply antiseptic to the bite.

Occasionally, mouthparts of the tick stay attached to your skin. The mouthparts will not cause disease. If this happens, consult with your physician about their removal. 

Monitor the bite and be alert for early symptoms of tick-borne disease particularly "flu-like" symptoms or rash over the next month or so. If you develop symptoms, contact your physician. 

Who can I contact for more information?   

Should you need additional information, please contact Liz Dykstra of the Washington State Department of Health at 360.236.3388.