As temperatures rise across Kentucky, state health officials are reminding residents to take precautions against ticks, which are active from early spring through late fall. The Kentucky Department for Public Health’s updated Tickborne Disease Story map highlights the primary illnesses of concern in the state: Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and Lyme disease.
Kentucky’s climate and wooded landscape support several tick species known to carry disease:
- Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum) — Widely distributed in the South and eastern U.S. This aggressive tick can transmit ehrlichiosis, tularemia, Heartland virus, Bourbon virus, and can trigger alpha‑gal syndrome, a meat allergy.
- American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis) — Found throughout the eastern U.S. and known to spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.
- Blacklegged Tick (Ixodes scapularis) — Present across the eastern U.S. and capable of transmitting Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus.
These species are all documented in Kentucky, according to state and CDC tracking resources.
Ehrlichiosis
One of the most commonly reported tickborne diseases in Kentucky, ehrlichiosis is transmitted primarily by the Lone Star tick. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
Spread by the American dog tick, RMSF can be severe if not treated promptly. Early symptoms include fever, headache, and a characteristic rash.
Lyme Disease
While more common in the Northeast and Upper Midwest, Lyme disease is present in Kentucky and is transmitted by the blacklegged tick. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, joint pain, and the well‑known bull’s‑eye rash.
Emerging Viruses
Kentucky has documented cases of Heartland virus and Bourbon virus, both carried by the Lone Star tick. These viruses can cause fever, fatigue, and low blood counts.
Ticks transmit pathogens while feeding. They detect hosts by sensing heat, breath, and movement, then attach and feed for hours to days. During feeding, infected ticks can pass bacteria, viruses, or parasites into the bloodstream.
Health officials recommend several proven steps to reduce tick exposure:
- Use EPA‑approved repellents such as DEET, picaridin, or permethrin‑treated clothing.
- Wear long sleeves and pants and tuck pants into socks when in tall grass or wooded areas.
- Check for ticks immediately after being outdoors—especially around the ears, hairline, underarms, waist, and behind the knees.
- Shower soon after coming indoors to help remove unattached ticks.
- Remove ticks promptly with fine‑tipped tweezers; grasp close to the skin and pull steadily.
Anyone who develops fever, rash, fatigue, or joint pain within several weeks of a tick bite should contact a healthcare provider. Early treatment greatly improves outcomes for most tickborne diseases.