Illinois Discovers Rare Tick Disease: What You Need to Know

This: going for a hike in the woods and coming home with an unwanted guest – a tick! But now, there's something even scarier lurking in Illinois. A rare disease, Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis (EME), has been found in a tick for the first time in the state. This bacteria can cause severe health issues if not treated quickly. Health officials in Illinois found the tick in Lake County back in May. They were doing their usual checks when they spotted something unusual. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently confirmed that this tick was carrying EME. This disease can make you really sick, with symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and nausea. But the good news is that it can be treated with antibiotics if caught early. Experts are now warning healthcare providers, especially those in Northern Illinois, to be on the lookout for this disease. Even though EME has only been found in Wisconsin and Minnesota before, this discovery means it might be spreading. Dr. Sameer Vohra, who works with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), says it's important to check for ticks, especially if you've been in wooded areas. Tick bites can cause serious illnesses, like Lyme disease and EME. So, if you've been bitten and start feeling sick, go see a doctor right away. This news comes just before the 2024 Illinois Tickborne Disease Conference. Experts will gather to talk about how to prevent and treat these diseases. It's a big deal, and it shows how important it is to stay informed and safe when it comes to ticks. To keep yourself and your family safe, make sure to take some simple precautions when you're outdoors. Stick to the middle of trails, wear light clothes, use bug spray that's approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and check yourself and your pets for ticks regularly.