What You Need to Know About Asian Longhorned Ticks

Asian longhorned ticks have quickly spread across various regions, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and their presence poses a potential threat to human and animal health. Hear from Craig Bober, D.O., a physician with Inspira Medical Group Primary Care on what you need to know, including how to identify these ticks, the diseases they can transmit and steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

What are Asian longhorned ticks?

Asian longhorned ticks are an invasive species first identified in the United States in 2017. They are small, reddish-brown ticks that measure about 3-4 millimeters long when unfed. Adults have a long, cylindrical body with a characteristic dark ridge along their back.

Female ticks can reproduce without mating, which allows them to spread rapidly in the right environment. They typically prefer areas with dense vegetation, where they can latch onto hosts like deer, livestock, pets and even humans.

Potential health risks associated with Asian longhorned ticks

Asian longhorned ticks are known vectors for several harmful diseases. One of the most concerning diseases they can carry is Theileria orientalis, which causes eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a rare, potentially fatal virus that can cause brain inflammation and lead to long-term neurological issues.

“These ticks are also capable of transmitting severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a tick-borne viral disease that can cause symptoms such as fever, fatigue and low blood platelet counts in humans,” said Dr. Bober. “Though rare, SFTS is a serious illness that requires medical attention.”

In pets and livestock, Asian longhorned ticks can lead to Lyme disease and other conditions that affect blood cells. They can also cause severe blood loss and infections if left unchecked, making prompt tick removal and monitoring essential.

While Asian longhorned ticks have bitten humans in the U.S., there have been no reported cases of disease transmission to humans domestically. However, their ability to potentially spread pathogens underscores the importance of taking preventive measures.

How to protect yourself from Asian longhorned ticks

Protecting yourself from ticks, including the Asian longhorned variety, involves a combination of prevention strategies:

• Wear protective clothing: Long sleeves, pants and closed shoes can help shield your skin from ticks.
•  Use tick repellents: Apply an insect repellent that contains active ingredients like DEET or permethrin, which are effective against ticks.
• Check yourself and your pets: After being outdoors, thoroughly check your body and your pets for ticks and pay attention to areas like the scalp, behind the ears and under the arms.
• Remove ticks properly: If you find a tick attached to your skin, use fine-tipped tweezers to remove the tick as soon as you can. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it straight up. Clean the area with alcohol or soap and water after removal.
• Maintain your yard: Keep your yard well-maintained by mowing the lawn regularly and trimming tall grass to reduce tick habitats.

“You can check for ticks on yourself and your pets after spending time outdoors, especially if you've been in areas with tall grass or wooded environments,” said Dr. Bober. “Using tick repellents and wearing long sleeves and pants can help reduce your risk of encountering these ticks.”

What to do if you find a tick

If you discover a tick on your body or your pet, it's important to act quickly. Remove it properly, and keep an eye on any symptoms that may arise afterward. “In some cases, tick-borne illnesses can develop a few days or weeks after exposure,” said Dr. Bober. “If you experience symptoms like fever, rash or unexplained fatigue, talk to your doctor about further evaluation and treatment.” 

Asian longhorned ticks are a growing concern, but staying informed and taking proactive steps can help reduce your risk. Proper tick removal, preventive measures and vigilance during tick season are the best ways to protect yourself and your family from these invasive pests and the diseases they carry.

Schedule a primary care appointment at Inspira.