TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Lyme Disease
2. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
3. Ehrlichiosis
4. Anaplasmosis
5. Babesiosis
6. Powassan Virus
7. Tularemia
8. Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE)
9. Prevention Tips

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Ticks are tiny, blood-sucking parasites that may seem harmless at first glance, but they are capable of transmitting a wide range of serious diseases to humans and animals. 

Found in grassy, wooded, or bushy areas, ticks attach themselves to the skin of hosts to feed on blood and during this process, they can spread bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

Understanding which diseases are spread by ticks and how they affect the body is key to protecting yourself and your loved ones. 

1. Lyme Disease

Caused by: Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria
Transmitted by: Blacklegged tick (also called the deer tick)
Regions: North America, Europe, and parts of Asia

Symptoms:

• Circular “bull’s-eye” rash (erythema migrans)
• Fever and chills
• Joint and muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Headache

If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to serious complications including arthritis, neurological problems, and heart issues. Early treatment with antibiotics is usually effective.

2. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

Caused by: Rickettsia rickettsii bacteria
Transmitted by: American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, and brown dog tick
Regions: United States, Central and South America

Symptoms:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Rash (typically starts at wrists and ankles)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle pain

RMSF is potentially fatal if not treated early, but prompt antibiotic treatment usually leads to recovery.

3. Ehrlichiosis

Caused by: Ehrlichia species bacteria
Transmitted by: Lone star tick
Regions: Southeastern and south-central United States

Symptoms:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Confusion or mental fog

Most people recover with antibiotics, but elderly or immunocompromised individuals may experience severe complications.

4. Anaplasmosis

Caused by: Anaplasma phagocytophilum bacteria
Transmitted by: Blacklegged tick
Regions: Upper midwestern and northeastern U.S.

Symptoms:

• Fever and chills
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Nausea
• Cough

Like ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis is treated with antibiotics, but early diagnosis is key to avoiding complications.

5. Babesiosis

Caused by: Babesia parasites (similar to malaria)
Transmitted by: Blacklegged tick
Regions: Northeastern and upper Midwest U.S.

Symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Fever and chills
• Sweating
• Dark urine
• Anemia

Babesiosis can be mild, but in people with weakened immune systems or no spleen, it can become life-threatening. Treatment includes anti-parasitic medications.

6. Powassan Virus

Caused by: Powassan virus
Transmitted by: Blacklegged tick and groundhog tick
Regions: Northeastern and Great Lakes regions of the U.S.

Symptoms:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Seizures
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)

There is no specific treatment for Powassan virus, and it can cause long-term neurological damage or death. Hospitalization is often required.

7. Tularemia

Caused by: Francisella tularensis bacteria
Transmitted by: Dog tick, wood tick, lone star tick
Regions: United States and parts of Europe

Symptoms:

• Skin ulcers at the bite site
• Swollen lymph glands
• Fever
• Fatigue

Tularemia can also spread through contact with infected animals or contaminated water. Antibiotics are effective if diagnosed early.

8. Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE)

Caused by: Tick-borne encephalitis virus
Transmitted by: Ixodes ticks
Regions: Europe and parts of Asia

Symptoms:

• Fever and fatigue
• Neurological symptoms (e.g., confusion, seizures)
• Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord

TBE can be severe, and while no specific treatment exists, vaccination is available in high-risk areas.

Prevention Tips

Avoiding tick-borne diseases starts with prevention:

• Wear long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas
• Use insect repellent with DEET or permethrin
• Check your body and clothing for ticks after being outdoors
• Shower soon after returning indoors
• Remove ticks promptly using tweezers (grasp near the head and pull steadily)

Ticks are more than just a nuisance, they can transmit a wide range of potentially serious diseases. Being informed about which diseases are spread by ticks and recognizing the symptoms early can lead to faster diagnosis and better outcomes. 

If you develop symptoms such as fever, rash, or unusual fatigue after a tick bite or outdoor activity, seek medical attention promptly. Early treatment can make all the difference.

Don’t hesitate to contact our English-speaking doctor on Halodoc to get more detailed information about ticks diseases.

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References:
CDC. Accessed 2025. About Ticks and Tickborne Disease.
Rhode Island Department of Health. Accessed 2025. Tick Borne Diseases.
MN Dept. of Health. Accessed 2025. Diseases that can be transmitted by ticks.