Tick season is causing concerns in Illinois because of an increase in the types of ticks and expansion of the tick season. Health officials and researchers suggest that Illinois is a part of this expanding problem.

Asian Long-horned Tick Detected

In April, the Asian long-horned tick was found in Illinois. This invasive tick from Japan, Korea, China, and Russia was first seen in the US 2017 and has since spread to 20 states.

The effect this tick may have on human infections is still unknown according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) thinks this type of tick probably won’t make Lyme disease more widespread or be a notable problem for humans. It’s more likely to affect cattle, says Mark Ernst, a veterinarian with the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

Risks to Cattle

The effects of the long-horned tick on cattle could be severe. People living in Chicago need to watch out for different kinds of ticks according to Maureen Murray from Lincoln Park Zoo’s Urban Wildlife Institute. She also mentioned that these ticks can infect pregnant cows and calves, leading to anemia, weakness, and exhaustion. Ernst suggests that cattle producers should check their animals for small ticks around their ears, under their tails, in their brisket areas. This type of tick is small like a sesame seed but can blow up to pea size when full.

Climate Change Impacting Tick Movement

The changing patterns of ticks in Illinois are likely due to climate change thinks Chris Stone from the Illinois Natural History Survey. He believes milder winters are helping ticks move northward. Stone’s team found the Gulf Coast tick which mainly lives in the southern US in southern Illinois. This tick can transmit a form of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a condition that includes symptoms like fever, vomiting and could be fatal.

Stone said,” Milder winters, like we’ve been having in Illinois over the past many years, have likely played a role in these ticks spreading north.”

Ticks Found in City Areas

Murray encouraged people living in Chicago to realize that ticks aren’t only a countryside problem. For example, her institute has gathered more than 1,000 different ticks from various city green spaces since 2017. Murray advocates for spending time outdoors and engaging with city nature but recommends people be conscious about possible tick encounters and how to avoid tick bites.

Steps to Prevent Tick Bites,

• Do regular tick checks, especially after leaving green areas.
• Dress appropriately, wear long pants and sleeves with light-colored clothing that makes it easier to spot ticks.
• Use bug spray, apply repellents approved by the EPA.
• Steer clear of high-risk areas, stick to trail centers.

Potential Risks to Health

Ticks are finding new homes,” says Becky Smith from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. “They’re venturing into numerous locations with Illinois being one of them. Smith noticed an increase in the number of illnesses related to ticks by ten times indicating an urgent need for awareness.”

Dealing with Tick Bites and Diseases

If you get bitten removing the tick immediately and correctly is vital. Use tweezers to grab onto the area where it attaches itself onto skin and carefully pull out without twisting or using household treatments such as matches or gasoline. Afterward clean the area well and keep an eye on possible symptoms like unexplained illnesses, rash, or fever.

Important Information,

• Tick Removal, use tweezers to pull ticks straight out, holding close to the skin.
• What to Look For, Symptoms such as fatigue, rash, fever or other unexplained signs.
• When to Get Help, if you feel sick after a tick bite.

Ending

The threat of ticks continues to grow in Illinois. Residents should stay aware and take steps to prevent bites. Changes in the season length and increasing tick varieties due to gentle winters mean it’s critical stay informed and protect both humans and animals from diseases transmitted by ticks.