Watch Out For This Disease Spreading Insect In Utah

Utah is a fantastic place to visit in July and up north provides the perfect balance of summer heat and greenery but there are risks.  

Just like in the Southern States, ticks are an issue in Utah. Though we are nearing the end of “tick season” in the state, July is still a time when visitors and locals will run into them. Or rather, they will attach themselves to you while on a hike.  

There is some good news though, there is only one human-attaching tick that could carry Lyme Disease and that is the Wester Black-Legged Tick, Utah Epidemiology said. Chances of encountering this tick are also very low which means that contracting Lyme Disease is also low.  

Humans and pets need to watch out for the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick which is the species most likely to attach itself to unsuspecting hikers. These little guys can carry the Colorado Tick Fever Virus which usually results in chills, fever, headache and exhaustion.  

The Centers for Disease Control said that it's a rare viral disease but is usually mild. In severe cases it can impact the central nervous system. It also happens to be the most common tick disease in Utah.  

It would be best to avoid places like grasslands, swampy areas and marshes until July is over since that is where ticks like to live. They can even live in leaf piles and branches so be aware of those too.  

When leaving one of these areas, do a thorough check to make sure no ticks are tagging along for the ride home. If you did have a tick on you, it's best to contact your doctor as soon as possible to treat and detect diseases.