Illnesses Spread by Ticks
Illnesses spread by ticks are common in Wisconsin.
Not all ticks spread illness, and you won’t get sick from every tick bite. However, it’s important to stay aware of ticks, the illnesses they cause, and how to prevent bites
Illnesses spread by ticks are preventable.
There are many ways to prevent tick bites, including doing daily tick checks, using insect repellent, and wearing appropriate clothes when you are outdoors.
Check out other tips for Tick Bite Prevention.
Lyme disease
In Wisconsin, Lyme disease is the most common illness spread by ticks. Learn how to protect yourself and your family while enjoying time outdoors.
Anaplasmosis
Anaplasmosis is the second most common illness spread by ticks in Wisconsin. Learn about the signs, symptoms, and treatment.
Ehrlichiosis
Several types of bacteria cause ehrlichiosis in Wisconsin. The disease is preventable and treatable.
Babesiosis
Babesiosis is caused by a parasite called Babesia that infects red blood cells.
Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis
Spotted fever rickettsiosis is caused by one of the Rickettsia bacteria in the spotted fever group. The most serious is Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Powassan Virus
Powassan virus is rare in Wisconsin. Find information about signs, symptoms, and data.
Borrelia miyamotoi
Borrelia miyamotoi is a species of bacteria spread by the deer tick.
Tularemia
Tularemia spreads through contact with wild animals. Certain domestic animals also sometimes have tularemia. Tularemia in humans is rare in Wisconsin.
Ticks in Wisconsin
Ticks are found in many areas throughout Wisconsin and can spread diseases to people and animals by biting them. Learn how to prevent diseases spread by ticks.
Resources
Just for you and your family
- Anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis signs and symptoms, treatment, and prevention—Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis Fact Sheet, P-42045
- Babesiosis signs and symptoms, treatment, and prevention—Babesiosis Fact Sheet, P-42028
- Lyme disease signs and symptoms, treatment, and prevention—Lyme disease Fact Sheet, P-42070
- Educational flyer—Lyme Disease Risk in Wisconsin, P-01752 (PDF)
- Education on the risk of illnesses spread by ticks—Tickborne Diseases Risk in Wisconsin, P-01751 (PDF)
- Educational tri-fold card about ticks in Wisconsin, proper removal, and tick bite prevention—Tick Safety Guide, P-01434
- Fact sheet with simple steps to take—Protecting Your Family from Mosquitoes and Ticks, P-02080 (PDF)
Just for health professionals
- Lyme disease trends in Wisconsin from the DHS Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health—Lyme Disease Surveillance Brief, P-01295 (PDF)
- Preparation and response—Vectorborne Disease Toolkit, P-01109 (PDF)
Order free resources from DHS. Here’s how:
- Download our Forms/Publications Order, F-80025A (Word). Use this form to order multiple forms and publications at once. Internet Explorer users: If you get a Windows Security popup box asking you to log in, select Cancel. The form will download without logging in.
- Complete the form by using the tab key to work through the input fields. Don’t use the return or enter key.
- Email any questions or the completed form to dhsfmorder@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
- Preventing Ticks on Your Pets
- Fact sheet on tick bite prevention for hunters—It's Open Season on Ticks (PDF)
- Plastic trail sign to remind hikers there are ticks in the area—Prevent Tick Bites (PDF). Order the sign from CDC Info on Demand
- Reference manual for health care providers with tick type description, tick distribution, illnesses, and treatments—Tickborne Diseases of the United States
- Fact sheet on steps to take after a tick bite—Tick Bite: What to Do (PDF)
- Educational comic for kids—Don't Let a Tick Make You Sick (PDF)
- Educational crossword for kids—Don't Let a Tick Make You Sick (PDF)
- Information and tick control tips from the National Pesticide Information Center—Ticks and Tick Bites
- A guide for homeowners, pest control operators, and public health officials to prevent illnesses spread by ticks from the state of Connecticut—The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
- Information from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical Entomology Laboratory—Wisconsin Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases
- Information on ticks found in the Midwest, surveillance resources, and tick biology and development from the Midwest Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Diseases—Ticks
Contact us
Questions about illnesses spread by ticks? We’re here to help.
Bureau of Communicable Diseases
Phone: 608-267-9003
Fax: 608-261-4976