Updated April 2025
Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections continue to pose significant health risks across the United States, with their geographic distribution and incidence rates expanding yearly. As a functional medicine physician, I want to equip you with the latest information and preventive strategies to protect yourself and your loved ones.
The Growing Threat of Tick-Borne Diseases
The prevalence of tick-borne diseases has dramatically increased in recent years. According to the CDC, there were over 48,000 reported cases of tick-borne bacterial and protozoan diseases in 2016, more than double the number reported in 2004. Through 2014, at least 27 ecologically and epidemiologically distinct tick-borne diseases were identified in the Western Hemisphere, with nearly half of these discovered in just the past two decades. In reality, the actual number of Lyme disease cases could be approximately ten times higher than reported figures suggest.
Tick-borne diseases account for more than 75% of all reported vector-borne diseases in the United States, making ticks the most medically significant arthropod group in the country. Lyme disease alone represents about 82% of all reported tick-borne diseases, but other serious conditions like anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and emerging viral diseases are also on the rise.
Understanding Co-infections: A Complex Challenge
One of the most concerning aspects of tick-borne diseases is co-infection. Ticks can harbor multiple pathogens simultaneously, potentially transmitting several diseases with a single bite. Many of these pathogens can be transmitted within a short period after attachment, though some like Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, Rickettsia, and other Borrelia species typically take longer.
Recent studies have revealed alarming statistics about co-infections. A 2024 study showed that the incidence of babesiosis increased by approximately 9% per year between 2015 and 2022, with 42% of those diagnosed being co-infected with another tick-borne disease – a higher rate than previously documented. Most commonly, patients were co-infected with the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease (41% of co-infected cases), while others had ehrlichiosis (3.7%) or anaplasmosis (0.3%).
In another significant 2024 breakthrough, researchers discovered human co-infections with Bartonella and Babesia odocoilei (a protozoal tick-borne infection primarily found in deer) in patients suffering from chronic, non-specific illnesses. This presents some of the first definitive DNA evidence of this strain of Babesia infection in humans, potentially affecting how we approach treatment for patients with various tick-borne infections.
The severity of symptoms often increases with co-infections. For instance, patients co-infected with Babesia and Borrelia typically experience more intense symptoms, while Ehrlichia co-infection may enhance the infectious potential into the central nervous system. This suggests potentially worse neurological outcomes with Borrelia-Ehrlichia co-infection.
Tick-Borne Diseases in Colorado
In Colorado, the Rocky Mountain wood tick and American dog tick are the most common ticks associated with human bites. Colorado tick fever remains the most prevalent tick-transmitted disease in the region, with Rocky Mountain spotted fever being relatively rare despite its name (usually only a couple of cases per year at most).
Contrary to what many might assume, no human cases of Lyme disease have originated in Colorado. However, other serious tick-borne diseases do occur in our state, including tick-borne relapsing fever (transmitted by the soft tick Ornithodorus hermsi) and tularemia, which can be transmitted through tick bites or contact with infected animals.
I was recently featured in CBS NEWS, “Coloradans prepare for tick season as weather warms, doctors, veterinarians share how to stay safe” Click here to read the full story.
Ticks are particularly common at higher elevations in Colorado. In the United States, a total of 223 Colorado tick fever cases were reported to the CDC from 2003 through 2022, with a median of 7 cases reported annually. The disease occurs primarily in people who live in or visit areas with infected Rocky Mountain wood ticks, found at elevations of 4,000-10,000 feet above sea level, mostly during spring and summer months when ticks are most active.
It's important to note that the Colorado Tick-Borne Disease Awareness Association has documented the presence of various tick-borne pathogens in our state. Recent studies have found that ticks in Colorado and surrounding regions can harbor Bartonella organisms alongside Borrelia, Babesia, and Anaplasma. This highlights the importance of awareness and prevention, even in regions not traditionally associated with high Lyme disease rates.
Climate Change and Expanding Range
Climate change is significantly impacting the distribution and prevalence of tick-borne diseases. Warming temperatures associated with climate change are projected to increase suitable tick habitats. Since ticks are mostly active when temperatures exceed 45°F and thrive in areas with at least 85% humidity, rising temperatures could extend their active periods, increasing human exposure to Lyme disease and other tick-borne pathogens.
The geographical areas where Lyme disease poses a significant risk are expanding in all directions. Traditional hotspots include the Northeast, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, Florida, and parts of California, but urban expansion into previously undisturbed habitats for deer and mice is causing Lyme disease to spread to new locations.
Prevention: Your Best Defense
Prevention remains the most effective strategy against tick-borne diseases. Here are comprehensive prevention measures to incorporate into your outdoor routine:
Before Going Outdoors
- Use appropriate repellents: Effective repellents include DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, p-methane-3,8-diol (PMD), and 2-undecanone. These can be applied directly to skin following product instructions.
- Treat clothing and gear: Consider treating clothing, shoes, and camping gear (not skin) with 0.5% permethrin, which kills ticks on contact and provides protection through several washes. Permethrin-treated clothing and gear are also available for purchase.
- Dress appropriately: Wear long sleeves and pants, tuck pants into socks, and consider light-colored clothing to make ticks more visible.
During Outdoor Activities
- Stay on trails: When hiking or walking in wooded areas, stay in the center of marked trails and avoid tall grass, leaf litter, and brushy areas where ticks thrive.
- Create tick-free zones: If you're spending time in your yard, maintain well-manicured lawns and create barriers between your yard and wooded areas using wood chips or gravel.
After Being Outdoors
- Perform thorough tick checks: Check your entire body, including hidden areas like behind knees, under arms, in and around ears, around the waist, between legs, inside belly button, and in hair. Use mirrors for hard-to-see areas.
- Shower promptly: Bathe or shower within two hours of coming indoors to wash off unattached ticks and make it easier to find any attached ticks.
- Handle clothing properly: Place clothes in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes (preferably an hour) to kill any unattached ticks.
- Check pets: Examine pets thoroughly for ticks after they've been outside, as they can bring ticks into your home. Talk to your veterinarian about tick-prevention products for your pets.
Tick Removal and Follow-up
- Remove ticks promptly: If you find an attached tick, remove it immediately using fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick, which can cause mouthparts to break off in the skin.
- Preserve the tick: After removal, submerge the tick in rubbing alcohol in a sealed container. This kills the tick and preserves it for potential identification and testing if symptoms develop later.
Introducing the Dr. Jill Health® Tick Bite Prevention Protocol
For added protection and peace of mind, I've developed a comprehensive Tick Bite Prevention Protocol that includes specific nutritional support and immune-boosting strategies to help your body defend against tick-borne pathogens.
My protocol combines evidence-based preventive measures with targeted nutritional support designed to:
- Strengthen your immune system's natural defenses
- Support healthy inflammatory responses
- Provide nutrients that may help protect against tick-borne pathogens
- Offer clear guidance on what to do before, during, and after potential tick exposure
This protocol is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, campers, gardeners, and anyone who spends time in tick-endemic areas. It's also valuable for families living in regions where tick populations are expanding due to climate change and habitat alterations.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you develop symptoms after a tick bite—such as rash, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pain, or swollen lymph nodes—seek medical attention promptly. Early intervention is crucial for preventing long-term complications from Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections.
For accurate identification and treatment of Lyme disease or other tick-borne infections, consulting with an experienced Integrative and Functional Medicine practitioner is highly recommended. They can help you identify the presence of these infections and develop a comprehensive healing plan.
Final Thoughts
As tick populations and their associated diseases continue to expand across the United States, including here in Colorado, prevention becomes increasingly important. By implementing these preventive measures, utilizing the Dr. Jill Health® Tick Bite Prevention Protocol, and seeking prompt medical attention when necessary, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections.
For more information on my approach to treating and preventing tick-borne illnesses, please visit www.jillcarnahan.com or listen to relevant episodes on my award-winning Resiliency Radio podcast.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Tickborne Disease Surveillance Data Summary.” CDC.gov.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Vital Signs: Trends in Reported Vectorborne Disease Cases — United States and Territories, 2004–2016.” MMWR.
- Global Health Impacts of Vector-Borne Diseases. “Changing Paradigms for Tick-Borne Diseases in the Americas.” NCBI Bookshelf.
- Colorado State University Extension. “Colorado Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases.”
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Data and Maps for Colorado Tick Fever.”
- EPA. “Climate Change Indicators: Lyme Disease.”
- Colorado Tick-Borne Disease Awareness Association. “Bartonella.”
- HHS. “Report of the Other TBDs and Co-Infections Subcommittee.”
- Penn State Health News. “Rates of a tick-borne parasitic disease are on the rise.” October 2024.
- NC State News. “Bartonella and Babesia Co-Infection Detected in Patients with Chronic Illness.” July 2024.
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16 Comments
Thank you, thank you, thank you! So many doctors refuse prophylactic antibiotics and patients wind up sick for years. I am one of those patients. I went to my doctor years ago with Bell’s Palsy and no feeling on my left side. I went to a hospital but was given no medication. I remained sick off and on for seven years and have permanent neuropathy in my left foot. I was told there was nothing wrong with me, to go home and get pregnant, and that I was making a mountain out of a molehill. Even when I did find a doctor who believed I had Lyme, he made me wait for the test results to come back before prescribing me antibiotics. Long story short, prophylactic antibiotics would have been worlds better than the six weeks of Probenicid and Doxyclycline I took and the four weeks of IV Rocephin I took after that. It is nice know some doctors really do understand Lyme Disease and hear their patients.
Dear dr Jill I have just finished reading your article on MTHFR gene mutation and was diagnosed with MTHFR Mutation :C665t Heterzygous .i have symptoms like 1)weight loss 2) generalized and localized puritis 3 ) low WBC 4)on rt side of my abdomen dark discoloration very forgetful and groggy heavy feeling on top of my head5) any time I took supplements I don’t feel good it’s hard to explain 6) heart rate in 48 7)lack of energy just tired 8) sad not motivated to do anything. 9)low blood sugar and other things can’t remember all.
I had been doing research for my daughter who has multiple problems where Homocysteine level was elevated she is the one with Pituitary Adenoma depression AMD a lot of other things, this is how I came across your blog I went to several dr and specialist one of which was my Oncologist forgot to tell I had Radiation for 1stage breast concer over 9 yrs.
to cut a long story short I asked him to test me for the MTHFR which I mention earlier is pos he also tested me for Lyme disease and that is also pos.
Now here is a big problem for me , he did start me on Docycline 100 mg bd for supposedly 1 mth but 1 1/2 wk into taking it I started to experience subtle nausea and shortness of breath he said I should stop it for a day and a half and start with just100 mgs daily which I did I then started to experience a few episode of burning on micturation more shortness of breath worst memory problems depression bilateral ankle and on top of both feet pitting odema and black and blue marks one on top of my rt calf and other on rt thigh..
D/C it right now going about 1 1/2 wks ago .
No further swelling in ankle or on top feet black and blue marks totally gone, depression foggy brain and breathless still in place.
BIG QUESTION WHAT DO I Do?
No one seems to know any thing about MTHFR and I reacted to the antibiotic in a bad way.
CAN YOU GIVE SOME SuGGESTION.
Thank you Rosemarie
Hi Rosemarie,
It is quite likely your reaction to the antibiotic had nothing to do with your MTHFR mutation. Many people live long healthy lives with this mutation and it is not a medical condition, just an underlying predisposition to process folate less than optimally. There are patients who find out they have MTHFR and focus exclusively on this as the root of their problems and most of the time it is not. I suggest finding a good functional medicine doctor near you to evaluate for gut dysbiosis, toxic exposure, autoimmunity and other inflammatory processes and fix these before focusing on the MTHFR SNP. One simple way to start is a comprehensive elimination diet, like this one, getting rid of all sugar and processed foods.
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi. I suggest to not use tweezers as the tick may regurgitate and bring disease to the individual with a bite. Much better to you a tick lasso and remove the tick by lifting it off the skin. When you squeeze on the tick, you are more prone to disease, so you run a greater risk of infection using tweezers.
I have had Lyme Disease six separate times. There have been 13 cases of Lyme Disease in my home. Half of them were me. One was my oldest daughter and the rest were my dogs. My daughter had it for 2 years before I figured out why her leg kept swelling up for a few days, every 4-6 months. She has had no symptoms for over 3 years. The most recent case was our 3 year old Maltese/Shi Tzu Maggie, who presented with the symptoms in late April 2016, 3 weeks after I found a bloated tick above her eye the morning after a walk in the forest where we live. The last time I had it was during the summer 2015. I felt that my immune system was dealing with it, because it’s seen this before. I studied it inside my body for two weeks and then decided that I learned enough. My immune system needed a booster, so I took what I always take for Lyme. Every time a person or pet in my home gets Lyme Disease, we take a homeopathic remedy for the symptoms of Lyme Disease and we have fully recovered. It hasn’t been a big deal for us, honestly. If you have questions, I’d be happy to talk about our experiences with Lyme. Email: johnna@jvwhealthypeople-pets.info
Yes I’m with you! Not a big deal there are things out there. I should clarify. It CAN be a very big deal. For many. But it IS treatable. Totally agree! I won’t put chemicals on my body and impair my immune system. If I get it again I know what to do!
Hey Jill,
What are your thoughts on mosquito/tick repellent for dogs? They are supposedly safe and effective, but Im always leery of that.
Thanks!
Stacy
Hi Stacy
I like the natural eucalyptus lemon based repellants for animals, too
warmly
Dr Jill
I highly recommend investing in some pre-treated clothes — socks, pants, shirt, kerchief, hat — with permethrin. Clothes are good for 100 washes. Or they can treat your own clothes. Company is InsectSheild. (No financial interest).
This way every square millimeter of clothing is covered and will kill ticks and mosquitos on contact. And the clothes are ready and waiting so you won’t make the mistake of “oh, I’m too much in a hurry this one time to treat my clothes and skin”.
It’s a very small price to pay to prevent tick borne and mosquito borne illnesses.
Hi Dr Jill, thank you for your info, what are your thoughts on using Diatomaceous Earth to dry up a tick and have it die/fall out that way?
I have not heard of this method but it may be effective….
Ok thanks!
Western medicine might think lyme is tricky but there are other very non invasive ways out there! I won’t hijack the blog but I’m having success with very little side effects, no antibiotics, and didn’t have to mortgage my house. You just have to look outside the box! It is very treatable! Don’t let this scare you! Yes lyme can be debilitating if left to multiply and grow and if your body is already unhealthy and able to deal with it. So do what you can now. Build your immune system and make good choices to give yourself the best shot.
Just got a bite last week. Just what DID you do?
And a side note: The tick was discovered while in the Chiropractors office. He applied peppermint oil over the are every few minutes for the hour I was there (ticks don’t like it) and the tick backed our, slowly, making it much easier to extract intact.
I would like to hear more about the other ways to treat lyme. Please share.
Thank you for the article. What integrative and functional medicine practitioners can you recommend in Colorado?
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