First Case of Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis Found in Illinois Tick
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has announced a concerning discovery: the first-ever tick in Illinois has tested positive for Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis (EME), a rare but potentially serious bacteria transmitted to humans through the bite of blacklegged ticks.
The tick was collected in Lake County on May 17th by staff from the Lake County Health Department, funded through the IDPH’s Environmental Health Tick Surveillance Grant program.
This finding raises red flags for residents and healthcare providers in Northern Illinois, particularly those actively spending time in wooded or grassy areas. “The discovery of the first tick in Illinois carrying EME, a rare and serious disease, is a great reminder of the importance of our active tick surveillance program in Illinois,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Tickborne illnesses such as Lyme disease and EME can cause severe illness, especially if untreated. Anyone who spends time in wooded areas or brush, including hunters, should be sure to check for ticks every few hours and remove any that you find.
If you experience common symptoms of tickborne illnesses such as fever, sweats, chills, muscle aches, nausea, or vomiting – see your healthcare provider immediately and let them know about tick exposure so that you can obtain testing and treatment that can prevent serious illness.”
Understanding Ehrlichiosis
Ehrlichiosis is a bacterial infection that can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Although primarily linked to Lone star ticks in southern Illinois, the presence of EME-carrying blacklegged ticks expands the geographical scope of this concern.
Blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, are a common culprit behind various tickborne illnesses. They are most active from October through December and on any freezing winter days.
Symptoms of ehrlichiosis often resemble those of other illnesses, making early diagnosis crucial.
Protecting Yourself from Tickborne Illnesses
Fortunately, certain precautions can significantly reduce your risk of contracting tickborne illnesses:
- Learn about tick removal and symptom awareness: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/structural-pest-control/common-ticks.html
- Walk in the center of trails and avoid dense woods, grassy areas, and leaf litter.
- Wear light-colored clothing to easily spot ticks and tuck pants into socks and boots.
- Use EPA-approved insect repellent. Find the best repellent for your needs with the EPA’s search tool.
- Treat outdoor clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin.
- Conduct thorough tick checks on yourself and your family (underarms, ears, belly button, behind knees, between legs, waist, hair, and scalp) every 2-3 hours. Check pets and gear after outings.
- Wash clothes in hot water and dry on high heat (or for one hour if damp) to kill ticks.
- Shower soon after coming indoors.
- If a blacklegged tick has been attached for more than two days, seek medical attention. Consider antibiotics to prevent Lyme disease.
- Preserving the tick for species identification can be beneficial. Place it in rubbing alcohol or a sealed container and bring it to your doctor or local health department.
- Submit ticks to IDPH using the form available on the IDPH website.
By taking these precautions and staying informed, you can enjoy the outdoors while minimizing the risk of tickborne illnesses.