Tickborne Disease

Overview

Ticks are small bugs, related to spiders and mites, found in Alaska and many other places. Most ticks don’t bite or harm people, but some can spread bacteria or viruses that cause illnesses called tickborne diseases.

In Alaska, only three tickborne diseases have been reported:

• Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease: These diseases have only affected Alaskans who were exposed while traveling outside the state. There are no reports of people contracting them in Alaska.
• Tularemia: This disease occurs in Alaska. People can get it from tick bites or by handling infected animals, like hares.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Common symptoms of tickborne diseases include:

• Body or muscle aches
• Fever
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Rash
• Stiff neck
• Facial paralysis

Doctors diagnose tickborne diseases by looking at symptoms and doing lab tests.

Treatment

Most cases can be treated with antibiotics, especially if treatment starts early.

Prevention

• Protect yourself if you’re spending time outdoors in areas with ticks
• Ask your vet about flea and tick protection for your pets
• After traveling to places with ticks, check yourself, your pets, and your luggage before returning to Alaska
• Tell your doctor if you have symptoms after a tick bite or being in a tick area

Reporting

Health care providers in Alaska must report suspected or confirmed cases of Lyme disease and tularemia to the Division of Public Health.

Resources