West Virginia (WOAY) Health experts are urging West Virginians to stay alert as tick populations continue to rise across the Mountain State.
According to experts at WVU, West Virginia has been classified as a high-incidence Lyme disease state since 2017, and warmer winters are allowing ticks to emerge earlier in spring and remain active later into fall.
While tick activity is highest from April through September, experts say ticks can be active year-round whenever temperatures reach 40 degrees or higher.
The most common species found in West Virginia include the American dog tick, blacklegged or deer tick, and lone star tick.
These ticks can carry illnesses such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis.
Lone star ticks have also been linked to alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy to red meat.
Health officials recommend wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, using insect repellent, checking yourself and your pets for ticks after spending time outside, and promptly removing attached ticks with fine-tipped tweezers.
Experts say early detection and treatment remain the best defense against serious complications from tick-borne illnesses.
