Tick tips in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia

Jun. 17, 2025

By Mary Wade Burnside

As West Virginia Day approaches, we can reflect on words that describe our beloved state: Wild and Wonderful.
Unfortunately, that quality also makes our area a good place for ticks to settle in and latch on to humans and animals alike, causing a variety of illnesses.
“We have lots of forest and a lot of vegetation growth,” said Jamie Moore, program manager for Monongalia County Health Department’s Threat Preparedness program. “‘Wild, Wonderful West Virginia.’ That’s what it means.”
In 2017, according to state entomologist Eric Dotseth, West Virginia became one of 12 “high-instance Lyme disease” states.
Lyme disease, of course, is an illness caused by the bite of the black-legged tick, or deer tick, and it has been on the rise for some time.
And now there are two more illnesses caused by that same tick that Mountain State residents should watch out for.
On May 20, the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health, part of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, issued a health advisory noting that while Lyme disease remains far ahead in numbers by comparison, physicians and individuals alike should be aware of the increase in two other illnesses: Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis.
In 2024, the number of reported Lyme disease cases was 3,207, “surprisingly” a bit down from 2023’s figure of 3,242, Dotseth said.
The numbers for Anaplasmosis, 15 in 2023 and 29 in 24; and Babesiosis, two in 2023 and four in 2024, are significantly lower, but noticeable for the fact that they are on the rise.
In dealing with ticks, it’s important to realize that there are steps that can be taken to avoid these parasitic arachnids that live by feasting on the blood of humans and animals, as well as that checking yourself, kids and pets for ticks after returning from grassy places is essential.
“We kind of have to exist with these creatures, so if you want to do the things you want to do, it’s important to take precautions whenever you come out of the woods,” Moore said.
Because not everyone sees a tick before it disengages itself, it’s good to be aware of symptoms that these illnesses can cause so individuals can better advocate for themselves when seeking treatment.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lyme disease can cause a bull’s-eye rash at the site of the tick bite. Other symptoms can be somewhat generic, including fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches and swollen lymph nodes. If you experience these symptoms and believe there is a chance you’ve been exposed to a tick bite, tell your health care provider, who can prescribe an antibiotic that can prevent Lyme disease.
As for the two lesser-known illnesses, Dotseth noted there are some distinct differences between the two.
Anaplasmosis, he said, “doesn’t have the long-term possibilities like with Lyme disease. This resolves in a few weeks.”
While the illness usually does clear up, complications can occur if medical treatment isn’t provided, including respiratory and organ failure.
Like with Lyme disease, the treatment for Anaplasmosis is an antibiotic.
As for Babesiosis, it attacks red blood cells, which can result in anemia and liver damage, Dotseth said. Unfortunately, an antibiotic is not a treatment for this illness. Individuals should consult a physician to see what steps to take.
Periodically, designated Monongalia County Health Department employees conduct tick surveillance, collecting them and sending them off to the West Virginia Office of Laboratory Services to be tested for disease.
To avoid ticks in the first place, steer clear of places where ticks live. Stick to trails instead of grassy areas. Wear tick repellent and treat clothing and gear with .5% permethrin. Upon returning home, check yourself, kids and pets for ticks. Take a shower and throw the clothes you were wearing in a dryer.
Moore also suggests, if possible, to tuck pants into socks so ticks cannot crawl up legs.
“The emphasis is caution and prevention,” Moore added. “Don’t avoid living your life because you’re worried about getting a tick disease. Follow precautions and keep on enjoying the outdoors.”
Mary Wade Burnside is the public information officer at Monongalia County Health Department.