• General Information
In Michigan, tick-borne diseases are rare, but they do occur and can be serious if not properly diagnosed and treated.

• Treatment
Treating tick borne illnesses: Lyme disease, Tularemia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), and Ehrlichiosis with antibiotics

• The Ticks
Five most common ticks in Michigan

• Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is an illness caused by the spirochete bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. In the Midwest and Eastern U.S., this disease is transmitted to people and animals by the bite of an infected Ixodes scapularis tick.

• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)is caused by tiny, roundish bacteria called Rickettsia rickettsii, which are transmitted through the bite of a tick.

• Tularemia
Tularemia is a rare infection caused by the bacteria Francisella tularensis.

• Human Ehrlichiosis
There are two distinct forms of illness recognized: human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME),and human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE).

• Tick Removal
Procedures to use to remove attached ticks.

• Prevention
Preventative measures to take against ticks.

• Tick Borne Illnesses in Michigan Brochure (PDF)
Information on Tick Borne Illnesses in Michigan

• Tick Identification & Testing Form

• American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis) Submissions, 1985-2002

• Michigan Black Legged Tick (Ixodes scapularis) Submissions, 1985-2002