Tick-borne illnesses could be on the rise in Illinois this summer

Several species of ticks are converging on Illinois. Our changing climate means more prime habitat for the blood-sucking parasites.

By Christian Elliott
Tick dragging
Illinois Natural History Survey Medical Entomology Lab vector ecologist Holly Tuten, wearing her white "tickbuster" suit, "drags" for ticks in an Illinois state park. Ticks "questing" for a host attach to the fabric as she drags it through leaves and can be collected for analysis. Maddy Schafer / INHS Medical Entomology Lab
Tick dragging
Illinois Natural History Survey Medical Entomology Lab vector ecologist Holly Tuten, wearing her white "tickbuster" suit, "drags" for ticks in an Illinois state park. Ticks "questing" for a host attach to the fabric as she drags it through leaves and can be collected for analysis. Maddy Schafer / INHS Medical Entomology Lab

Tick-borne illnesses could be on the rise in Illinois this summer

Several species of ticks are converging on Illinois. Our changing climate means more prime habitat for the blood-sucking parasites.

By Christian Elliott
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May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month and the beginning of tick season in Illinois. Over the last few decades, reported cases of Lyme disease have increased tenfold in the state.

Reset checks in with tick and vector-borne disease experts to learn more about where ticks are spreading and how you can stay safe while spending time in nature.

If you encounter a tick, the INHS provides a free identification service.

GUESTS: Kim Fake, wildlife research coordinator at Lincoln Park Zoo’s Urban Wildlife Institute

Holly Tuten, vector ecologist with the Illinois Natural History Survey Medical Entomology Lab