More {{ vm.segmentName}} News
View All {{ vm.segmentName }} News
Quick Facts:
Fort Smith
by Mercy's Mardi Taylor
Key points:
Warmer winters and earlier spring weather mean ticks are active earlier in the year and remain active year round, increasing exposure risk.
Ticks can carry diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, tularemia and alpha-gal syndrome, with symptoms ranging from fever and fatigue to severe complications if untreated.
Wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, staying on cleared trails and maintaining your yard can help limit tick exposure.
Checking for ticks after outdoor activity, removing them quickly and seeking medical care for symptoms like fever or rash can prevent more serious health issues.
As warmer weather sets in, more people are spending time outdoors gardening, hiking, fishing and enjoying Arkansas trails. With that outdoor activity comes an increased risk of tick bites, something health experts say should not be ignored.
“Ticks are very common in Arkansas, especially in wooded areas, tall grasses and even backyards,” said Dr. John Young, physician with Mercy Clinic Family Medicine – Greenwood Veterans Way. “A tick bite may seem minor, but it can lead to serious health problems if not recognized and treated.”
Recent research in Arkansas shows that milder winters and earlier warm spells are allowing ticks to become active sooner and stay active longer, with tick activity beginning as early as March. Ticks in Arkansas are now considered active year‑round in different life stages, with spring activity ramping up earlier than many people expect. Warmer winter days mean ticks don’t stay dormant as long.
Ticks can carry bacteria, viruses and parasites that cause illness in humans. “Tickborne illnesses can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches and sometimes a rash,” Dr. Young said. “In some cases, symptoms can become severe, especially if treatment is delayed.”
Some of the most common tickborne diseases seen in Arkansas include:
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, one of the most common and serious tickborne illnesses in Arkansas. Some people develop a rash that often starts on the wrists and ankles and can spread, though not everyone experiences a rash. Without prompt treatment, RMSF can lead to severe complications and can be life‑threatening.
- Ehrlichiosis, a bacterial infection transmitted primarily by the lone star tick, which is common throughout Arkansas. Many people who become ill do not recall being bitten by a tick. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent more serious illness.
- Tularemia, a rare but potentially serious bacterial disease that can be spread by tick bites or through contact with infected animals. Symptoms depend on how the bacteria enter the body but may include fever, swollen lymph nodes, skin ulcers at the site of a bite and, in some cases, respiratory symptoms.
- Alpha-gal syndrome, a condition that can cause a red meat allergy. Unlike typical food allergies, symptoms often appear several hours after eating beef, pork or lamb. Reactions can include hives, stomach pain, vomiting, shortness of breath and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Some people may continue to experience symptoms long after the initial tick bite.
Dr. Young stressed the importance of seeking medical care early after a tick bite, regardless of the type of tick involved. “If someone develops flu-like symptoms within days or weeks of a tick bite, they should contact their health care provider right away,” he said.
How to reduce your risk
While ticks are part of the natural environment, there are steps people can take to lower their risk of exposure.
Dr. Young recommends:
- Wearing long sleeves and long pants when walking through wooded or grassy areas.
- Tucking pants into socks or boots.
- Using insect repellents that contain DEET or permethrin.
- Staying on cleared trails when hiking.
“At home, keeping grass trimmed and clearing leaf litter around your yard can make a big difference,” Dr. Young said. “These small steps help reduce the places where ticks like to hide.”
After spending time outdoors, Dr. Young encourages families to do a full body tick check.
“Ticks are often found in hidden areas like behind the knees, around the waist, under the arms or along the hairline,” he said. “Showering after outdoor activity and checking your body and clothing can help remove ticks before they attach.”
Keeping ticks off cats and dogs is important because pets can carry ticks into the home, increasing the risk of tick bites for people. Regular tick prevention helps protect pets from tick‑borne illness while also reducing the chance of ticks spreading disease to family members.
If a tick is found attached to the skin, it should be removed promptly using fine-tipped tweezers, pulling straight out without twisting. The area should then be cleaned with soap and water.
“Removing a tick as soon as possible lowers the chance of disease transmission,” Dr. Young said.
While not every tick bite causes illness, Dr. Young says it is important to watch for warning signs.
“Any fever, rash or unexplained symptoms following a tick bite should be taken seriously,” he said. “Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent more serious complications.”
By staying informed and taking simple precautions, families can continue to enjoy the outdoors while protecting themselves from tick-related health risks.
