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

Adult tick with black spot on back rests on a leaf

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

Friends setting up tents outdoors

Anaplasmosis is the second most common illness spread by ticks in Wisconsin. Learn about the signs, symptoms, and treatment.

Ehrlichiosis

Tick crawling on skin

Several types of bacteria cause ehrlichiosis in Wisconsin. The disease is preventable and treatable.

Babesiosis

A pair of hiker boots walking in the meadow with sun shining behind

Babesiosis is caused by a parasite called Babesia that infects red blood cells.

Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis

Tick crawling on tip of leaf

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

Close view of a deer tick on hand

Borrelia miyamotoi is a species of bacteria spread by the deer tick.

Tularemia

A young rabbit sitting on its hind feet facing sideway outside

Tularemia spreads through contact with wild animals. Certain domestic animals also sometimes have tularemia. Tularemia in humans is rare in Wisconsin.

Ticks in Wisconsin

Castor bean tick on a leaf

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

Just for health professionals

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.

  • 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

Glossary

 
Last revised July 16, 2024