Tick-Borne Diseases Surge as Ticks Expand Across the U.S.
Tick-borne diseases are on the rise in the United States due to the expansion of tick species into new regions and the coexistence of multiple tick species in single areas. The blacklegged tick, lone star tick, and Gulf Coast tick have all expanded their geographic ranges, with every state in the contiguous U.S. now hosting at least two medically significant tick species. This expansion increases the risk of exposure to tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis. The increase in tick populations is attributed to ecological advantages and insufficient public health responses. Ticks are found in various environments, including wooded areas, fields, and residential yards, and can be active at different times of the year. 
