Invasive Tick Has Been Spotted in Illinois

Invasive Tick Found in the USA

In November 2017, public health officials in New Jersey reported that an invasive tick known as the Asian Longhorn tick, had been discovered in the US for the first time, though they believe it has been here since or before 2010. The Asian long-horned tick is native to East and Central Asia.

Since 2017, the tick has spread to several states including Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee, and has now been discovered in Illinois, making it the 19th state. -USDA

What Diseases Does the Asian Longhorn Tick Spread?

The Asian Longhorn Tick is a nasty little critter that spreads multiple diseases to humans and animals including:

• Bovine Theileriosis: Bovine theileriosis can reduce dairy production on cattle farms and occasionally kill calves. High numbers of ticks on animals can cause anemia. -Penn State Extension

• Babesiosis: Babesiosis is a disease caused by microscopic parasites that infect red blood cells and can lead to hemolytic anemia. -CDC

• Anaplasmosis: Caused by Anaplasma bacteria, leading to fever and muscle aches in humans and animals. -CDC

• Ehrlichiosis: Caused by Ehrlichia bacteria. People with ehrlichiosis will often have fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and sometimes upset stomach. -CDC

• Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS): Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a tickborne viral disease associated with acute fever, possibly accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, myalgia, and leukocytopenia. -CDC

• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: Early signs include fever, headache, and rash and can lead to a life-threatening illness. -CDC

• Heartland virus: Symptoms of Heartland virus include fever, fatigue (feeling tired), decreased appetite, headache, nausea, diarrhea, and muscle or joint pain. -CDC

• Powassan virus: Initial symptoms can include fever, headache, vomiting, and weakness. Powassan virus can cause severe disease, including inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). Symptoms of severe disease include confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking, and seizures. -CDC

The best way to avoid getting sick from a tick is prevention. Avoid tall grass and wooded areas if you can.

What To Do If You or Your Pet Has Been Bitten

If you or your pet is bitten by a tick it's important to remove the head when picking the tick off. Use fine-tip tweezers and get as close to the skin as you can. If you start feeling symptoms, contact your doctor.

If you find one that looks like this guy, it's important to save it and take it to your veterinarian for inspection.