New Tick-Borne Viruses Detected on U.S. Military Installations Raise Public Health Concerns

A national surveillance program has identified the presence of ticks carrying rare but potentially severe viruses on and around U.S. military installations, prompting a call for increased awareness and preventative measures. The MilTICK SURE Path program, a Department of Defense initiative focused on identifying understudied, rare, and emerging pathogens, recently confirmed ticks infected with Powassan virus in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and, for the first time, Maryland. Additionally, the program detected its first tick positive for Heartland virus at Fort Knox, Kentucky. While human cases of these illnesses are uncommon, the viruses can lead to serious health complications, underscoring the importance of early detection and public health vigilance.

Powassan virus, transmitted by the same blacklegged tick responsible for Lyme disease, poses a significant neurological threat. Although not every bite from an infected tick results in illness, those who do become sick can develop severe neurological conditions, including encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. Tragically, about 10% of severe cases are fatal, and half of the survivors may experience long-term health issues. Research suggests that climate and land use changes are contributing to the spread of Powassan virus. Heartland virus, carried by the lone star tick, can also cause severe illness requiring hospitalization. The detection at Fort Knox marks the first confirmed instance of this virus on the installation, although it has been known to exist at low levels in regions with abundant lone star tick populations. Public health officials note that local physicians may not be fully aware of these emerging threats, highlighting the need to bring them to their attention. There is also a concern that the invasive Asian longhorned tick may prove capable of transmitting Powassan virus, potentially broadening its geographical risk.

The MilTICK SURE Path program serves as a critical component of the military’s proactive approach to managing these health risks. MilTICK offers free tick testing services to members of the Department of Defense community, including service members, civilians, and their families. The SURE Path initiative acts as a vital “force multiplier” by retesting these submitted ticks for a range of uncommon yet impactful pathogens. The resulting data is then shared with public health authorities, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of emerging threats. This method, known as “passive surveillance,” relies on public participation to gather information. While acknowledging that this approach may not yield perfectly complete data, program leaders emphasize that the overall trends identified are invaluable for tracking the emergence of rare pathogens. The detection of Powassan virus in Maryland, for instance, provides crucial information to local health providers, allowing them to prepare for potential human cases by understanding characteristic symptoms and available treatments. This proactive surveillance also extends to other emerging tick-borne diseases, such as Babesiosis, a malaria-like illness that is increasingly being observed in the Mid-Atlantic region, despite being more traditionally found in the Northeastern and Midwestern United States. Awareness of these shifting risks is vital for maintaining military readiness and public health.

The data gathered through these surveillance efforts directly informs preventative strategies and medical preparedness. For example, measures are being reinforced for ROTC cadets during summer training at Fort Knox, and medical professionals are being equipped with better knowledge of their local “tick-scape.” However, for all individuals within the military community, the most crucial element remains personal prevention. Service members, leaders, and family members are encouraged to participate in the MilTICK program to contribute to a safer and more prepared force. Information on how to submit ticks for free identification and testing is available online through the official MilTICK submission page. The ultimate objective, as articulated by public health officials, is to enhance military readiness and improve community health, a mission that begins with individual preparedness and awareness. Resources are available to assist service members and their families, including a streamlined digital submission form for MilTICK, educational materials on Lyme disease awareness, and further information on the SURE Path program and the emerging threat of Babesiosis.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Defense Health Agency.

Video Spotlight