New Diseases From a Common Pest

FAIRFAX, Va. (December 9, 2013) – Most Americans have heard of Lyme disease. After being discovered in the Northeast, the disease has spread to most areas of the country. Lyme is carried by some species of ticks, but it is not the only danger these pests pose. Researchers are discovering other deadly diseases they can transmit to humans.

Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, Heartland virus and Powassan virus are lesser-known tick-borne diseases, but they are all transmitted by ticks and are potentially fatal. These illnesses are generally found in specific regions of the country, but awareness is necessary to track their spread in other areas.