Health and Fitness : Tickborne diseases and prevention

Tickborne diseases in Iowa

Tick bites can transmit several diseases, including the bacterial infection Lyme disease, the most commonlyreported tickborne disease in Iowa. Other tickborne diseases found in Iowa include babesiosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, spotted fever group rickettsiosis, and tularemia. These diseases can cause illnesses ranging from mild to severe, up to and including hospitalization or death. In 2022, 191 cases of tickborne diseases were identified among Iowans.

To protect yourself from tickborne illnesses:

* Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)- registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone. Always follow product instructions

* Wear clothing treated with permethrin.

* Shower as soon as possible after spending time outdoors.

* Check for ticks daily. Ticks can hide under the armpits, behind the knees, in the hair, and in the groin.

* Tumble clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors. If the clothes are damp, additional time may be needed.

For more information about tickborne diseases, visit hhs.iowa.gov/cade/vectorborne-illness#Tick-borne%20diseases