Tick Bites on the Rise in Missouri as Warmer Weather Returns

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - As temperatures continue to warm across Missouri, health officials are warning residents to be cautious of ticks and the diseases they can carry during the spring and summer months.

Ticks are commonly found in wooded areas, tall grass, brush, parks, and even residential backyards. Missouri is home to several species of ticks, including the Lone Star tick, American dog tick, and blacklegged tick. Some of these ticks can spread illnesses such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, tularemia, and alpha-gal syndrome.

The Lone Star tick, commonly found throughout Missouri, has become a growing concern in recent years because its bite has been linked to alpha-gal syndrome, a condition that can trigger an allergic reaction to red meat and other animal products.

Health experts encourage Missourians to take preventive steps when spending time outdoors. Recommendations include wearing light-colored clothing to help spot ticks more easily, using EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET or permethrin, staying on marked trails, and avoiding tall grass and brush whenever possible.

Officials also recommend checking clothing, pets, and skin carefully after returning indoors. Ticks are often found around the ankles, behind the knees, around the waist, under the arms, and in the hairline.

If a tick is found attached to the skin, experts advise removing it promptly using fine-tipped tweezers by grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward steadily without twisting.

Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses can include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, rash, and joint pain. Anyone experiencing symptoms after a tick bite should contact a healthcare provider.

Missouri residents are especially encouraged to stay alert during the late spring and summer months when tick activity is typically at its highest.