Ticks are present in West Virginia and are a common concern for residents and visitors engaging in outdoor activities. These small arachnids thrive in various natural environments across the state, including wooded areas, tall grasses, and shrublands. Ticks are most active during warmer months, increasing the possibility of encounters.
Common Tick Species in West Virginia
West Virginia is home to several common tick species, each with distinct appearances and preferred habitats. The American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) is frequently encountered and is among the largest ticks in the state, characterized by its brown body with cream or grayish markings on its back. These ticks are often found in shrublands and grassy fields.
The blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), also known as the deer tick, is typically found in mixed forests and along woodland edges. Females are chocolate brown with an orange to red back. The lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is also common, identifiable by a single white spot on the back of adult females. These reddish-brown to tan ticks prefer dense woodlands and areas with high animal activity.
Diseases Carried by Ticks
Ticks in West Virginia can transmit several diseases. Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness reported in the state, primarily transmitted by the blacklegged tick. Symptoms often include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and a characteristic “bull’s-eye” rash. If left untreated, Lyme disease can affect joints, the nervous system, and the heart.
Other tick-borne illnesses include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, carried by the American dog tick, which can cause flu-like symptoms, a rash, and nausea. Anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis are transmitted by blacklegged ticks and lone star ticks, respectively. These diseases can present with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and headaches. The lone star tick can also transmit Alpha-gal syndrome, which can cause a severe allergic reaction to red meat.
Protecting Yourself from Ticks
Protecting yourself from tick bites involves several practical steps when spending time outdoors. Wearing appropriate clothing is important, such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks. Light-colored clothing can make it easier to spot ticks. Applying an EPA-registered tick repellent containing ingredients like DEET or picaridin to exposed skin can also provide protection.
After outdoor activities, perform thorough tick checks on your body, clothing, and pets. Ticks often seek hidden areas like under the arms, behind the knees, or around the waist. Taking a shower within a few hours of returning indoors can help wash off any unattached ticks. For tick removal, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure, avoiding twisting or jerking the tick, which can leave mouthparts embedded. After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
If symptoms such as a rash, fever, or flu-like illness develop within several weeks of a tick bite, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Inform your healthcare provider about the tick bite, when it occurred, and where you likely encountered the tick. Early recognition and treatment of tick-borne diseases can prevent more severe outcomes.