Deadly Bacteria Found in Illinois for the First Time: ‘Check for Ticks’

A rare tickborne disease has been spotted in Illinois for the first time, health officials have said. The bacterium, identified in Lake County, can cause serious disease in humans if not treated quickly, and can sometimes be fatal.

Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis (EME) is an emerging disease-causing bacterium spread through the bite of an infected deer ticks, known as blacklegged ticks. These same insects are known to spread Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and babesiosis, among other things.

The bacterium was first isolated from a resident in Wisconsin in 2009, and all known human cases of the disease have occurred in that state and Minnesota, or individuals who have traveled from these areas.

EME is one of several bacteria species found across the U.S. that can cause a condition called ehrlichiosis. Symptoms of the disease usually start within one to two weeks of being bitten and include fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, rashes, and an upset stomach. Without early antibiotic treatment, the disease can result in damage to the brain and nervous system, respiratory failure, uncontrolled bleeding, organ failure, and even death, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

Children under 5, adults over 65, and those with a weakened immune system are the most likely to experience severe symptoms, although anyone who delays antibiotic treatment may be at risk.

In Illinois, ehrlichiosis is primarily seen in southern parts of the state and spread through the bites of infected Lone star ticks. However, with this latest discovery in Lake County, blacklegged ticks can also carry ehrlichiosis-causing bacteria. However, no deaths from EME have so far been reported in the U.S., according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Blacklegged ticks are most commonly found in areas with woods, brush, leaf litter, and tall grass and are most active between October and December, or any winter days above freezing, the Illinois Department of Public Health reports.

“The discovery of the first tick in Illinois carrying EME, a rare and serious disease, is a great reminder of the importance of our active tick surveillance program in Illinois,” Illinois Department of Public Health Director, Dr. Sameer Vohra, said in a statement. “Anyone who spends time in wooded areas or brush, including hunters, should be sure to check for ticks every few hours and remove any that you find.”

Vohra continued: “If you experience common symptoms of tickborne illnesses—such as fever, sweats, chills, muscle aches, nausea or vomiting—see your healthcare provider immediately and let them know about tick exposure so that you can obtain testing and treatment that can prevent serious illness.”

To avoid EME in the first place, the health department issued the following advice:

• Walk in the center of trails and avoid wooded, bushy areas with high grass.
• Wear light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to find and tuck long pants into socks.
• Apply EPA-registered insect repellent.
• Treat outdoor clothing and gear with insect repellent.
• Put your clothes in the dryer on a higher heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks.
• Shower within two hours of coming indoors.

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