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Lyme Lives Here

Alabama Lyme

Because the risk and reported incidence of Lyme and other Tick-Borne Diseases (TBDs) in the South is not accurately reported, patients in Alabama, and the rest of the South, are routinely denied a proper diagnosis and treatment.

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If you live in Alabama and suspect you may be infected, contact us at info@alabamalymedisease.org and report your symptoms to the Alabama Department of Health (ADPH). Access the ADPH Lyme Disease investigation form here>

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ALABAMA is home to a variety of tick species including:

  • The lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) - the most abundant tick species in Alabama.  Unlike most ticks who wait for a host to brush against them, the Lone star tick aggressively seeks human and pet hosts.

  • The black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) - an abundant tick species in Alabama.

  • The American dog tick, (Dermacentor variabilis) - also an abundant tick species in Alabama.

  • The brown dog tick, (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) - found throughout Alabama. Commonly infests homes, animal pens, and dog kennels and can spend their entire life cycle indoors.

  • The Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum) - found in Alabama.  Looks similar to the American dog tick

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Ticks found in ALABAMA can transmit a number of diseases including:

  • Spotted Fever (Rickettsia) - Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is the most severe form.

  • Lyme disease (borreliosis) - the most commonly reported vector-borne infectious disease in the U.S.  The Southeastern U.S. has seen a sharp increase in the number of reported cases over the past 10 years.

  • Ehrlichiosis - Common in the South, often seen in dogs.  Like most tick-borne illnesses, this can be fatal or cause chronic debilitating symptoms, <30% see a rash

  • Anasplasmosis - rarely has a rash.  Symptoms can be fatal or debilitating in the long term.

  • Southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI) - Also known as "Master's disease", it is used to describe a Lyme like illness specific to the South. read more>

  • Babesiosis (similar to malaria) - caused by a parasite rather than a bacteria or virus as are other tick-borne illnesses.

  • Tulameria - commonly carried by rabbits.  Found to be transmitted by ticks or deer flies.  Can be fatal.

  • Alpga-gal allergy (red meat allergy) - An emerging illness in the Southeast.  Caused by the saliva of an attached Lone star tick.

  • Tick paralysis - caused by a neurotoxin from an attached tick's salivary glands.  Can lead to respiratory failure and death.

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*Note: Tick-borne diseases can affect pets (dogs, cats, etc.) as well, pets are often a first indicator of a potential risk to humans in the environment.  If left untreated, debilitating symptoms and death are possible for pets as well as humans

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Symptoms of the various tick-borne illnesses found in ALABAMA vary widely and can include a combination of:

  • Fever

  • Migraines

  • Brain "fog"

  • Joint pain

  • Stiff neck

  • Insomnia

  • Chronic Fatigue

  • Lethargy

  • Nausea, vomiting

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • A VARIETY of rash presentations (not always present)

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*Note: Tick-borne diseases can mimic 100's of other diseases including: MLS, ALS, Alzheimer's disease, Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Chronic Fatigue and many others.  Because of this, it is critical to be educated in recognizing the symptoms, including the progression of symptoms. Click here for a more complete list of symptoms.

(photo: courtesy of the Bay Area Lyme Foundation)

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