Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristics skin rash called erythema migrans which can look like a bullseye. If left untreated, infection can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system. It is important to note that the blacklegged tick does not live in Wyoming and most Wyoming Lyme disease cases traveled to an area where these ticks do live. Steps to prevent Lyme disease include using insect repellent, removing ticks promptly, applying pesticides, and reducing tick habitat.

Clinicians can find pretest probability information, prophylaxis recommendations, additional resources for Lyme disease on CDC’s Lyme Disease Healthcare Provider page.

Teton County Weed & Pest District (TCWP) is interested in collecting ticks that people may come across from anywhere in Wyoming. This collection method, commonly known as passive surveillance, is part of a large surveillance program to learn more about the ticks in Wyoming, such as tick species richness, diversity, abundance, phenology, distribution, as well as tick-borne pathogen presence and prevalence. The TCWP laboratory will be testing live, non-blood fed ticks for pathogens that can cause diseases in humans.

If you come across ticks and want to donate them to science, they can be adhered onto clear packing tape that’s folded in on itself, or then placed on cardstock or cardboard. Alternatively, a double bagged Ziplock bag or small container with a slightly damp tissue inside can help keep them alive for pathogen testing.

Submit ticks within a few days (if possible) via mail to:

Teton County Weed & Pest District

ATTN: Mikenna Smith / Laboratory

7575 South US Hwy 89

Jackson, WY 83001

Lyme disease is reportable to the Wyoming Department of Health. Find reporting information here.