Two ticks develop viruses in Southern Illinois

Over the past several months Southern 7 Health Department has conducted active tick surveillance in the southernmost seven counties in Illinois for all species. 

Tests recently completed by the Illinois Department of Public Health have confirmed that two ticks collected in the region have tested positive for Enrlichiosis viruses.

Southern 7 reports that one tick was collected in Pulaski County and the other was in Hardin County.  
In mid-October, IDPH reported that the CDC confirmed the first tick in the state to test positive for a bacteria transmitted by the blacklegged tick, also called a deer tick. The tick was
discovered in Lake County.

Early signs and symptoms (the first 5 days of illness) are usually mild or moderate and may include fever, chills,severe headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite, confusion, and rash.

Risk factors for severe illness include delayed antibiotic treatment, children under age 5 and those over 65, and a weakened immune system. 

See your healthcare provider if you become ill after being bitten by a tick or spending time in grassy, brushy, wooded areas.

Treatment involves antibiotics. If delayed, Ehrlichiosis can sometimes cause severe illness including brain and uncontrolled bleeding, organ failure, and death. Early treatment can reduce your risk of developing severe illness.