12-06-2025
Chatham Public Health Department shares tips to prevent tick bites
PITTSBORO — Chatham County residents are not the only ones outside enjoying the warmer weather.
According to the Chatham County Public Health Department, higher temperatures during summer increase the number of uninvited guests: ticks.
'Even though tick bites can occur year-round, ticks are most active during the warmer months,' Chatham County Public Health Department Environmental Health Director Anne Lowry said. 'Because they feed off blood from both people and animals, ticks can make you sick by spreading a disease from one host to the next.'
In 2024, around 10% of Chatham County residents reported that they had been diagnosed with a Tick-Borne Illness — nearly double the percentage who reported one in 2021. Although many TBIs circulate in Chatham County, two are most common:
Ehrlichiosis• Spread by the lone star tick
• Symptoms: Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, upset stomach
• Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis
• Spread by the American dog tick
• Symptoms: Dark scab near bite, fever, headache, rash
In 2023, Chatham County had the highest reported Ehrlichiosis and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis incidence rates per 100,000 population of any county in North Carolina.
According to Lowry, some tick bites can also cause allergies such as Alpha-Gal syndrome, which makes an infected individual allergic to mammal meat.
This summer, the Chatham County Public Health Department recommends these steps to fight tick bites:
Prepare for wooded or grassy areas
When walking in the woods or tall grass, wear long sleeves and pants, tuck pants into socks, and use tick repellents. Treat your clothes with products containing 0.5% permethrin.
Check for ticks after going outside
Look over your entire body, especially in hard-to-see places like behind your knees, underarms, around your waist, and in your hair.
Remove an attached tick as soon as possible
Use tweezers to grab the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible. Gently pull straight up until all parts of the tick are removed.
Keep an eye on any tick bites
After removing the tick, monitor the bite. Watch for signs of a rash, swelling, or flu-like symptoms. If you experience these symptoms, see your health care provider and let them know a tick recently bit you.
Kits are also available to help remove ticks at the CCPHD's Pittsboro office.
'Don't let ticks tag along on your summer adventures,' Lowry said. 'By following these precautions, you can enjoy the outdoors with peace of mind.'
To learn more about how to prevent tick bites, visit To learn more about Alpha-Gal Syndrome visit
