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Tick-borne Diseases (TBD)
The most common tick-borne diseases diagnosed in Northern Michigan are:
- Anaplasmosis
- Babesiosis
- Ehrlichiosis
- Lyme Disease
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
- Powassan Virus Disease
Notes
- Ticks found crawling and unattached on skin are not considered a risk for TBD transmission.
- Ticks emerge when snow melts and stay active until temperatures fall below freezing.
Clinical Guidance
Diagnosis
Symptoms can be non-specific and may include:
- Rash (not associated with all TBDs and may not be an early indicator)
- Unexplained fever in the summer (can indicate tick-borne infection)
- Chills
- Myalgia
- Severe headache
- Gastrointestinal manifestations
Testing
Although diagnostic testing can help guide clinical management, do not delay therapy if a TBD is suspected. Prompt treatment can prevent severe disease.
MHC Labs can test for tick-borne pathogens, including anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis. Read the related LabMed Report.
Labs often indicate cytopenias and transaminitis, particularly with Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis.
Treatment
For post-exposure prophylaxis and TBD treatment guidance, visit CDC: Tickborne Disease of the U.S.
Anaplasmosis
Babesiosis
Ehrlichiosis
Lyme Disease
- AMA | Improving Care for Patients with Prolonged Symptoms and Concerns about Lyme Disease: A Clinician Toolkit
- AAN/ACR/IDSA 2020 Guidelines for the Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Lyme Disease
Powassan Virus Disease
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
Consults/Referrals
Munson's Infectious Disease Consults is available for consults and referrals. For details on how to consult/refer, click here.
Clinician Education
- CDC | Tickborne Disease Continuing Education
- AMA | Caring for Patients with Prolonged Symptoms and Concerns About Lyme Disease
Patient Resources
- Munson Healthcare Blog: Ticks: How to Avoid Them and What to Do If You Get Bit