Jun 27, 2025
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Health
What Delmarva residents should know about tick bites
Ticks can be tiny, but they can cause big problems.
That doesn’t mean people need to stay inside, but experts recommend taking precautions.
Areej Khan, MD, who cares for patients at TidalHealth Infectious Disease in Delmar, said summertime is when tick activity is highest in Maryland and Delaware.
People can get tick bites while doing something active like hiking, but ticks can also bite people who are relaxing in their backyard or even inside – if a pet brings one in, Dr. Khan said.
“On the Eastern Shore, we commonly find ticks in parks, hunting areas and residential properties bordering wooded lots,” Dr. Khan said.
Not all tick bites lead to infection, but Lyme disease may be the first thing that people think of when it comes to ticks. On the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Selected Tickborne Disease Surveillance map, showing cases from 2019-2022, Lyme disease had higher numbers than other types of diseases in this area.
Wicomico County logged 39 Lyme disease cases during this time frame, Worcester logged 60, Somerset logged 20 and Sussex, which has the largest population among these four counties, logged 258, according to the CDC data.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can cause fever, headache, fatigue and a rash, spreading to other locations in the body if it’s not treated, the CDC says.
Deer ticks can spread many diseases, and Dr. Khan said it’s possible for a deer tick to give a person more than one infection with its bite.
The CDC says ticks in this area can also cause the following diseases:
- Anaplasmosis: A bacterial disease likely to cause fever, headache, chills and muscle aches. It is potentially fatal if not treated or if there are other risk factors.
- Babesiosis: A parasitic disease that can either cause no symptoms or flu-like symptoms.
- Ehrlichiosis: A disease caused by bacteria; there are different types. Common symptoms are fever, chills, headache and muscle aches. Some may experience an upset stomach or rash.
- Tularemia: A bacterial disease that causes a fever and may cause a skin ulcer and swelling of regional lymph glands.
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever: A bacterial disease that causes a rash and other symptoms, such as fever and headache. Early treatment is important, as it can be fatal otherwise.
Dr. Khan also mentioned lone star ticks can spread alpha-gal syndrome, leaving the person with an allergy to pork, beef and mammalian meat.
In April, the State of Delaware shared in a news release that the state had its first confirmed detection of Powassan virus in a tick. If someone is bitten by a tick with Powassan virus, it can infect them quickly and have serious, potentially fatal, impacts.
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Tips for preventing tick bites
Dr. Khan recommends the following:
- Wear long sleeves and pants when possible; if walking along tall grass, tuck your pants into your socks.
- Use an EPA-approved insect repellent. Look for products that contain DEET (20-30%) or picaridin.
- Stay in the center of trails and avoid brushing against vegetation.
- Mow your lawn regularly and trim tall bushes.
- After spending time outside, perform a full-body skin check, especially the waistline, underarms, the hairline and behind the knees, and then shower as soon as possible.
- Be sure to check pets, too.
If you are bitten by a tick
Dr. Khan shares what to do if you notice a tick attached to your body:
- Remove it with fine-tipped tweezers by grasping it close to the skin and pulling straight upward.
- Clean the area afterward and monitor the area.
- If you develop a fever, rash, severe headache or body aches, contact your practitioner.
While people may have heard of the rash often left by a tick bite, there isn’t always one, and they may have flu-like symptoms instead, Dr. Khan said.
Dr. Khan suggests making it a habit to do a routine skin check at the end of the day during the summer.
“A two-minute skin check can detect ticks early and prevent weeks and months of feeling unwell,” she said.
Need medical attention?
If you have a primary care practitioner and can make a prompt appointment with them, you can do so. If you are experiencing symptoms on a weekend or after hours, reserve a spot at TidalHealth Urgent Care. See locations and hours here.
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