Southern U.S. Faces New Threat as Lyme-Carrying Ticks Expand Territory
Ticks carrying Lyme disease have been detected in the Southern U.S., raising concerns about local medical preparedness.
New research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that ticks carrying Lyme disease are now present in southern regions of the United States, areas that have not traditionally been associated with the illness. This discovery raises critical questions about the readiness of local healthcare providers to diagnose and treat Lyme disease in these newly affected areas.
Lyme Disease Emerges in the South
The study, led by Dr. Ross Boyce from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, focused on Biltmore Forest, North Carolina. Over a period from November 2024 to August 2025, researchers collected 373 ticks from local lawns, with a significant 76.9% identified as blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks. These ticks are known carriers of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease.
More than a third, 39.6%, of these ticks tested positive for the bacterium. This prevalence rate mirrors figures typically seen in the Northeast, where Lyme disease has been a well-documented health issue. Additionally, the research identified other disease-causing bacteria, such as Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia miyamotoi, previously thought to be confined to the Northeast and Midwest.
Healthcare Preparedness Under Scrutiny
Angela Newman, a resident of Biltmore Forest, shared her personal ordeal with Lyme disease, which went undiagnosed for years due to a lack of awareness among local healthcare providers. Her symptoms, which included blurry vision and hypersensitive skin, were initially dismissed as anxiety or depression by several specialists. It was only after insisting on a Lyme disease test, following a friend's suggestion, that she received a correct diagnosis.
The findings have significant implications for healthcare providers in the South. "Physicians and healthcare workers, especially in that region, need to be very mindful and aware that ticks infected with this bacteria have moved in," cautioned Mark Soloski from Johns Hopkins Medicine, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and education among medical professionals.
Community Response and Challenges
Biltmore Forest, a small town with fewer than 1,500 residents, has seen an increase in Lyme disease cases, according to town manager Jonathan Kanipe. He noted that public works employees frequently encounter ticks, underlining the need for community awareness and preventive measures.
The presence of Lyme-carrying ticks in the South signifies a shift in the epidemiology of the disease, demanding adaptation from both healthcare systems and public health strategies. As these ticks continue to expand their range, the importance of early detection and appropriate treatment becomes increasingly critical.