In Washington, the tick-borne diseases known to be acquired include: anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tick-borne relapsing fever, tick paralysis, and tularemia. Learn about these tick-borne diseases and others of concern, and what symptoms of illness to watch for.

If the tick is not removed, paralysis of the chest muscles can lead to respiratory failure and death within 24 to 48 hours after symptoms begin. Prompt removal of the tick usually leads to complete recovery. Tick paralysis is rare but found worldwide, with 0-2 cases reported each year in Washington State.

Western black-legged ticks can transmit Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. It can also transmit the pathogen that causes anaplasmosis. These ticks are mainly found in Western Washington as well as along the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains. They live in forested, oak savannah, or brushy areas.

Mar 26, 2025 · “Environmental conditions influence the distribution of ticks and the diseases they carry. These conditions are changing, and only by having a robust state-wide dataset with up-to-date data from multiple sources can we inform people when and where to expect ticks and tick-borne diseases. ... Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 625-1367. Facebook ...

Ticks are small blood-feeding parasites that can transmit diseases to people. Some types of ticks perch on the edge of low-lying vegetation and grab onto animals, and people, as they brush past. Other ticks are associated with rodents and their nests and may only come out at night to feed.

1 day ago · Ticks are parasitic arachnids closely related to scorpions, spiders, and mites. They live off of one thing and one thing only: blood. Ticks can survive more than two years without a blood meal and may expand up to ten times their original size when fully fed. They feed on the blood of just about everything that moves, including humans and dogs.

Feb 21, 2025 · Preventing tick bites is the most effective way to avoid tick-borne illnesses. When spending time outdoors, especially in areas known to have ticks, wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Tucking pant legs into socks can prevent ticks from crawling up the legs.

Ticks become infected by feeding on infected rodents and deer. It is the most common tick-borne disease in the US. Infections acquired in Washington State appear to be rare, but the disease is a concern in the East and Midwestern states, and in some areas of California and Oregon.

May 18, 2024 · There are four tick species commonly found in Washington that are known to bite and transmit diseases to people. Alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy, can be caused by a certain...

Ticks can carry disease causing pathogens. According to WA DOH, the most common tick-borne diseases located in the Pacific Northwest include babesiosis, Lyme disease, rocky mountain spotted fever, tick-borne relapsing fever, tick paralysis, and tularemia.