All outdoor workers should check with their supervisor if they have questions about possible exposure to ticks. Workers at risk of tick-borne diseases include, but are not limited to, those working in the following:
Construction
Landscaping
Forestry
Brush clearing
Land surveying
Farming
Railroad work
Oil field work
Utility line work
Park or wildlife management
Other outdoor work
What diseases are transmitted by ticks in the United States? collapsed
Diseases caused by tick-borne pathogens in the United States include:
Lyme disease
Babesiosis
Ehrlichiosis
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness
Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever
Tularemia
Anaplasmosis
Colorado tick fever
Powassan encephalitis
Q fever
Where are infected ticks found in the United States? collapsed
Ticks are usually more active in the months of April through October and peak in the summer months of June through August. The time of year when ticks are active may vary with the geographic region and climate. Outdoor workers should be extra careful to protect themselves in the late spring and summer when immature ticks are most active.
What are the symptoms of infection with a tick-borne disease? collapsed
There are many symptoms associated with tick-borne diseases. Infected workers may not have all of these symptoms and many of these symptoms can occur with other diseases as well. Some common symptoms of infection with tick-borne diseases include:
Body/muscle aches
Fever
Headaches
Fatigue
Joint pain
Rash
Stiff neck
Facial paralysis
What is the diagnosis and treatment for tick-borne diseases? collapsed
Tick-borne diseases are diagnosed based on symptoms and the possibility that the worker has been exposed to infected ticks.
Most cases can be successfully treated with specific types of antibiotics, especially if treatment is started early. However, some workers may have symptoms such as arthritis, muscle and joint pain, or fatigue for an extended period of time.
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