It’s Time to Get ‘Tick Smart’ as Lyme Disease Season Arrives

With spring in full swing and outdoor activities increasing, health experts are urging the public to take steps to protect themselves from tick bites, particularly as Lyme disease cases tend to surge during this time. As temperatures rise and blacklegged ticks—also known as deer ticks—emerge in greater numbers, awareness of how to prevent exposure is critical, especially during May, which marks Lyme Disease Awareness Month.

Lyme disease remains the most common tick-borne illness in the United States, with an estimated 476,000 cases reported annually. Transmitted by blacklegged ticks, the disease spreads when an infected tick remains attached to the skin for approximately 48 hours. During May, nymph-stage ticks—so small they are often undetectable—are most active and more likely to transmit the Lyme disease pathogen. Nearly one in four of these ticks may carry the bacteria that causes Lyme, and their diminutive size makes early detection and removal difficult.

For members of the military community and their families, a key tool in the fight against tick-borne diseases is the MilTICK program. Administered by the Defense Health Agency’s Public Health division at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, MilTICK offers free tick testing for service members, retirees, civilians, and contractors. Participants can submit ticks that have bitten humans to receive a detailed report identifying the tick species, estimating attachment duration, and testing for various pathogens. In 2024, MilTICK processed over 3,000 ticks, with 167 testing positive for at least one disease-causing agent.

Beyond Lyme disease, blacklegged ticks can also transmit anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Powassan virus, and relapsing fever. Powassan virus, although rare, can cause severe neurological issues. Since 2020, only one tick tested by MilTICK has been confirmed positive for Powassan. Other tick species, including the lone star tick and American dog tick, are also active during the spring. Lone star ticks, which dominate in the southeastern U.S., can spread ehrlichiosis and are linked to alpha-gal syndrome—a meat allergy that develops after a bite.

Geographic location and outdoor habits significantly influence tick exposure risk. Lyme disease is most prevalent in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and upper Midwest, whereas the South sees more ehrlichiosis due to the lone star tick’s abundance. Preventive strategies include wearing long sleeves and pants, applying insect repellents, and treating clothing with permethrin. If a bite occurs, submitting the tick for analysis can assist with early detection of possible infections and help guide medical treatment.

As people head outdoors this spring, staying vigilant and informed about ticks can help ensure that seasonal recreation remains both enjoyable and safe.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the Defense Health Agency press release.

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