{"id":129590,"date":"2026-04-13T12:57:35","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T16:57:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/?p=129590"},"modified":"2026-04-13T14:16:35","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T18:16:35","slug":"hoosiers-urged-to-take-precautions-against-tick-borne-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/2026\/04\/13\/hoosiers-urged-to-take-precautions-against-tick-borne-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Hoosiers urged to take precautions against tick-borne disease"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Indiana health officials urge Hoosiers to protect themselves from tick bites as the weather warms up and tick activity increases across the state.
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Indiana Department of Health news release:<\/p>\n

Hoosiers urged to take precautions against tick-borne disease as risk increases with warmer weather<\/strong><\/p>\n

Indianapolis, Indiana (April 13,m 2026) – Indiana health officials urge Hoosiers to protect themselves from tick bites as the weather warms up and tick activity increases across the state.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoosiers who work outdoors or spend time enjoying outdoor activities are at increased risk for tick bites and tick-borne diseases,\u201d said State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Jen Brown, DVM, MPH. \u201cWhether you\u2019re on the job or on the trail, it\u2019s important to take simple precautions to protect yourself when ticks are active from now through the late fall.\u201d<\/p>\n

Last year, IDOH medical entomologists identified Heartland virus in ticks and one human case in southern Indiana, indicating the presence of a new tick-borne disease in the state. Heartland virus can cause symptoms such as fever, fatigue, decreased appetite, headache, nausea, and diarrhea. Unlike many other tick-borne diseases, Heartland virus is not treatable with antibiotics, making prevention of tick bites especially important.<\/p>\n

In addition to Heartland virus, Hoosiers are at risk for several other potentially severe tick-borne diseases. While Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in Indiana, Hoosiers are also at risk for ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and alpha-gal syndrome, a condition caused by tick bites that can trigger an allergic reaction to red meat. Ticks that carry diseases can be found in all parts of the state.<\/p>\n

Preventing tick bites is the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases. We encourage Hoosiers to take the following precautions:<\/p>\n