Ticks raise new concerns in Tennessee - WKRN, Nashville News, Nashville Weather and Sports

Ticks raise new concerns in Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Ticks are raising new concerns in Tennessee as new types and infections emerge.

Certain species of ticks that were uncommon in the state are being found in new areas.

Ticks that were previously rare in Tennessee, such as Gulf Coast and deer ticks, have now been found to be much more widespread, possibly because of climate change, according to The Tennessean newspaper.

Both are associated with tick-borne infections.

Tick-related illnesses have more than doubled in Tennessee since 2005.

There were almost 400 cases last year, most of them Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Six people have died from Rocky Mountain fever in the state since 2001.

Ticks typically get active when weather becomes warm in the spring. Infection reports peak in June and July.

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