Stay safe during tick season
It’s time to be on the lookout for ticks
In addition to the woods and thick, tall, grassy fields, ticks are frequently found in our backyards and on our pets. As we spend more time outdoors, it’s important to keep in mind what can be done to stay safe.
Early detection is key

Ticks can transmit serious diseases to humans. While most signs and symptoms of a tick bite can occur within a few days or a few weeks, you might not remember seeing a tick or even being bitten. Common symptoms can include fever, rash, body aches, fatigue, and headaches—but not everyone has symptoms, and they can be general. Sometimes, they overlap with other illnesses, too.

If you notice a bite or you’re having symptoms, you need to speak with your doctor about getting tested. Many tick-borne diseases can be treated if caught early. That’s why timely testing is important.
Tick-borne disease: 
a growing problem across the country
Cases of tick-borne diseases, primarily in the spring, summer, and fall in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, continue to be reported in large numbers.
If you find a tick…
or think you’ve been bitten or have symptoms, take these important steps and consider getting tested

Talk to your doctor

Discuss next steps with your doctor

Tick testing from Quest Diagnostics

Quest Diagnostics offers a wide variety of reliable tests for many different tick-borne illnesses, including Lyme disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines recommend a 2-step lab testing process. Quest requires only 1 blood draw that can be used for both tests—your doctor will decide which test to use based on when you were bitten.

It’s easy to get tested
Because timing is so important when it comes to getting tested and starting the right treatment, we make it easy for you and your family members to get the tests you need right away.
References:
  1. CDC. Tickborne disease surveillance data summary. Revised August 11, 2022. Accessed February 24, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/data-summary/index.html
  2. CDC. Overview of tickborne diseases. Reviewed August 5, 2022. Accessed February 24, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/tickbornediseases/overview.html
  3. Kugeler KJ, Farley GM, Forrester JD, et al. Geographic distribution and expansion of human Lyme disease, United States. Emerg Infect Dis. 2015;21(8):1455-1457. doi:10.3201/eid2108.141878
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