Protect Your Health: Tips to Prevent Tick-borne Diseases in Kansas

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a health alert about an illness-causing parasite, common across Kansas in the spring and summer months. KDHE reports that as of May 29, it received more than 200 laboratory reports of tickborne diseases. The state health department advised that tick activity and density are increasing and occurring earlier in the season this year.

KDHE states that numerous tickborne diseases caused by bacteria present in Kansas include Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and other Spotted Fever Group Rickettsioses (SFGR), and Tularemia. Two rare tickborne viruses, Heartland virus, and Bourbon virus, have also been identified in Kansas in both humans and ticks.

The Lone Star tick, the most common tick in Kansas, is responsible for these diseases. KDHE has investigated several cases of tickborne diseases this year with severe health outcomes, including hospitalizations due to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Tularemia, and a fatal case of Bourbon virus.

KDHE State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Erin Petro mentioned mosquitoes, warning that vector-borne diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks are extremely active this year. She emphasized the importance of taking personal protective measures to reduce the chances of acquiring an illness from a tick or mosquito bite. The KDHE also warns about earlier-than-usual increased case reports of West Nile Virus from mosquitoes.

To reduce the risk of tick and mosquito-borne illnesses, KDHE suggests using EPA-registered insect repellent, treating clothing and gear with products containing permethrin, wearing long pants and light-colored clothing, controlling mosquitoes indoors and outdoors, ensuring pets remain tick-free, showering and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors, and paying attention to common signs and symptoms of vector-borne illness.

In conclusion, it is crucial to take precautions to prevent tick and mosquito-borne diseases, especially with the increase in tick activity and density occurring earlier in the season this year. By following the recommendations provided by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, individuals can reduce their risk of acquiring illnesses such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia, and West Nile Virus. Stay informed and take necessary steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from these potentially dangerous diseases.