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Ticks Expand to New U.S. Regions, Bringing Increased Disease Risks

As climate patterns shift and ecosystems evolve, some of nature’s tiniest threats are gaining new ground — and bringing serious health concerns with them. Ticks, once confined to specific areas of the United States, are spreading into new regions, increasing the risk of tick-borne illnesses across the country.

If you thought ticks were only a concern in the woods of the Northeast, think again. Recent data shows that tick populations are expanding, and with them, diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and even emerging viruses are becoming more widespread.

Here’s what you need to know.

Why Are Ticks Expanding Their Range?

Several factors are contributing to the rapid spread of ticks into areas where they were once rare or nonexistent:

🔹 Climate Change

Warmer winters and longer summers allow ticks to survive and reproduce in areas that used to be too cold for them. As temperatures rise, ticks can now thrive at higher elevations and more northern latitudes.

🔹 Shifting Wildlife Populations

White-tailed deer, mice, and other tick hosts are becoming more common in suburban and rural areas, bringing ticks with them.

🔹 Urban Sprawl and Land Use Changes

Development in wooded or grassy areas creates “edge habitats”, which are ideal for ticks to thrive. Humans living near these habitats are more likely to encounter ticks.

New Regions at Risk

While tick-borne diseases have traditionally been concentrated in certain parts of the country, we’re now seeing increased activity in states like:

• Michigan
• Wisconsin
• Ohio
• Tennessee
• Kentucky
• North Carolina
• Parts of the Midwest and Great Plains

Ticks like the blacklegged tick (deer tick), Lone Star tick, and American dog tick are all expanding their territories — and each carries its own set of health risks.

Diseases on the Rise

As ticks spread, so do the diseases they transmit. Some of the most concerning tick-borne illnesses include:

✅ Lyme Disease

• Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi
• Spread primarily by blacklegged (deer) ticks
• Symptoms: rash, fever, fatigue, joint pain, neurological issues if untreated

✅ Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

• Spread by the American dog tick and others
• Can be deadly if not treated early
• Symptoms: fever, rash, headache, muscle pain

✅ Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis

• Flu-like symptoms that can become severe if untreated
• Carried by various tick species

✅ Alpha-Gal Syndrome

• Caused by a bite from the Lone Star tick
• Triggers an allergic reaction to red meat
• Symptoms: hives, swelling, digestive issues, and in some cases, anaphylaxis

✅ Powassan Virus

• A rare but potentially deadly virus
• Spread by deer ticks
• No cure or vaccine; prevention is key

What You Can Do: Protecting Yourself from Ticks

With tick season lasting longer and affecting more regions, prevention is more important than ever:

🛡️ Avoid Tick Hotspots